The structure of the Directorate of Religious Affairs is undergoing a change. According to a recent bill drafted by the AK Party and presented to the Republican CHP and Nationalist MHP, the status of the directorate will be changed to an undersecretary. The term of office of the Director of Religious Affairs which was limitless will be five years only. A candidate will only be appointed twice to the post.
According to the bill, the directorate will have the right to broadcast programs in televisions and radios about the subjects that concern it. Changes will be made to the law of Radio and Television Supreme Council to allow the Directorate to access the national channels freely. The students of the Qur’an courses will receive an “allowance for preparation” like the teachers. The allowance for preparation is distributed to the teachers once a year and at the beginning of the school year to help them financially with the preparations of the school year.
Source: Yeni Safak (Turkey), January 25, 2010
