Private schools in Osaka Prefecture have voiced opposition to the prefectural government's proposal to make high school education free of charge without exception.
The proposal is a centerpiece policy initiative of the Osaka Ishin no Kai political group. Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura, who heads the party, hopes to phase out the income limits under the current tuition waiver system from fiscal 2024, aiming for full implementation of "completely free" education in fiscal 2026, which ends in March 2027.
Private schools and related groups in the prefecture are concerned about adverse effects on school management because some private schools would have to bear greater financial burdens under the new system.