8.7 billion lira support package for students from IMM: First monthly pass will be 1 TL

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) has announced its support programs for students and families with the start of the new academic year. Speaking at a meeting held in Saraçhane, IMM Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan announced that the total size of the package is 8.7 billion lira.

Stating that the support has been ongoing since 2019, Aslan conveyed the greetings of IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who is currently detained in Silivri. Aslan said, "We will continue to grow this great solidarity that our Mayor Ekrem started in 2019, no matter the circumstances."

One of the most notable items in the package is transportation support. Accordingly, students will be able to purchase their first monthly transportation pass for 1 lira between September 21 and October 17. It was stated that the application will be valid regardless of the day the pass is purchased. Approximately 441 million lira has been allocated for this item.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SUPPORT PACKAGE

For the first time this year, IMM will also provide support for water and natural gas bills for student housing. In December, January, and February, a total of up to 7,500 lira in bill support will be provided to 20,000 student homes over three months. A resource of 150 million lira has been planned for this program. It was also reported that Istanbul residents will be able to contribute through solidarity with the "Pending Student Housing Bill" application.

Within the scope of a new program called "Welcome Home," a one-time housing and deposit support of 12,500 lira will be provided to 20,000 student homes. The total resource allocated for this support was announced as 250 million lira.

The "So Girls Can Study" support, which is implemented for female students, has also been expanded. Previously covering girls just starting primary school, the support will now apply to female students in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades of primary school. In the new term, it is aimed to provide a one-time support of 3,500 lira to 90,000 female students.

New resources have also been allocated for nutrition, stationery, and clothing. It is planned to provide 3,000 lira in monthly nutrition support to 50,000 households in 2027. In addition, a total of 125 million lira in stationery support will be provided for 50,000 students, and 5,000 lira per person in clothing support will be provided for 30,000 students.

Support for university students also formed a significant part of the package. Within the scope of the Young University Student Social Support, a total of 2.5 billion lira will be transferred to 125,000 students this term, with 20,000 lira per person. Within the scope of the Young University Student Transportation Support, the monthly 653 lira pass support for 30,000 students will continue. Additionally, 5,000 lira per person in clothing support will be given to 20,000 university students.

Touching upon IMM's higher education dormitory capacity, Aslan said that today, accommodation is provided to 6,232 students in 16 dormitories. It was stated that students pay 3,840 lira per month, including breakfast and dinner.

With the announced package, it is aimed to reach 320,000 students in primary and secondary schools and 221,232 students at the university level directly. When transportation support is included, it is planned to reach a total of 1.8 million students. It was reported that the support package will be discussed at the September meetings of the IMM Assembly.