The suspension of R$6 billion from the Pé de Meia program by the TCU raises alarms about the future of public education. Benefiting almost 4 million students, the initiative has faced accusations of fiscal irregularities. The MEC and AGU are mobilizing to reverse the decision, while young people await a solution. What is at stake is more than numbers: it is the future.
Would you trust the future of Brazilian education if one of the largest programs to encourage secondary education were abruptly interrupted?
In a scenario already marked by difficulties in combating school dropouts, the “Pé de Meia” program, designed to guarantee financial support to low-income students, is now facing a survival crisis.
In a unanimous decision, the Federal Court of Auditors (TCU) determined the blocking of R$6 billion earmarked for the initiative, generating great repercussions among the 3,9 million young people benefiting.
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What is behind the decision
The plenary session this Wednesday (22) maintained the precautionary suspension of transfers, initially determined by Minister Augusto Nardes. The reason?
Irregularities in the budget management of the program. According to the technical analysis of the TCU, the resources allocated to the “Pé de Meia” were not properly allocated in the General Budget of the Union (OGU).
The warning came from Deputy Attorney General Lucas Rocha Furtado, from the Public Ministry at the TCU, who questioned the legality of the financial operations.
Created by Law 14.818/2024, “Pé de Meia” was designed to reduce school dropout rates in Brazil by offering financial incentives to high school students in public schools.
Each young person receives an allowance of R$200 during the school year, in addition to an annual savings account of R$1.000, which can be withdrawn upon completion of high school. At the end of three years, beneficiaries can accumulate up to R$9,2.
The program, however, depends on resources from the Fund to Encourage Permanence in Secondary Education (Fipem), managed by Caixa Econômica Federal.
Despite its private nature, the fund is supported by contributions from the Union.
According to the TCU, these contributions did not go through the mandatory procedures of the General Budget of the Union, disregarding fiscal and budgetary rules.
Impacts and reactions to suspension
With the freezing of resources, students run the risk of not receiving the benefits expected at the start of the 2025 school year.
For the Ministry of Education (MEC):, the decision brings irreparable damage. In a note, the body stated that “all contributions to the program were approved by the National Congress and complied with current budgetary regulations.”
The Attorney General's Office (AGU) also appealed against the measure, arguing that there were no irregularities in the transfer of funds. According to the AGU, if the freeze is maintained, its effects should only be applied in 2026.
The agency also requested a period of 120 days to present a plan that guarantees the continuity of the program without harming students.
Understand the irregularities highlighted
The main criticism raised by the TCU is the lack of transparency and compliance with fiscal rules.
According to the ruling that determined the block, the resources used to finance Fipem came from funds such as the Educational Credit Operations Guarantee Fund (Fgeduc) and the Operations Guarantee Fund (FGO).
These amounts, however, did not pass through the National Treasury Single Account (CUTN) nor were they included in the General Budget of the Union.
The court highlighted that this practice violates important provisions of Brazilian legislation, such as the Fiscal Responsibility Law, the Sustainable Fiscal Regime and the so-called Golden Rule.
These rules aim to maintain the country's financial health, preventing the misuse of public resources.
What the experts say
Public law and finance experts warn that the suspension could have serious side effects.
“Despite possible irregularities, the program is crucial to combat school dropouts in one of the most critical phases of Brazilian education,” explains economist and university professor Paulo Sérgio Almeida.
He highlights that the blockade could generate a wave of distrust in the country's social programs.
For pedagogue Maria Clara Santana, “Pé de Meia” is an example of a public policy that really impacts the lives of young people.
“If the TCU’s decision is upheld, we will see a significant increase in school dropouts, especially among the most vulnerable.”
Next Steps
The TCU will still analyze the merits of the case, that is, whether the irregularities pointed out justify the continuation of the block or whether the program can be resumed with adjustments.
Until then, the MEC and the AGU will need to present solid arguments to reverse the decision.
Meanwhile, millions of Brazilian students are anxiously awaiting a solution that guarantees not only compliance with tax regulations, but also the continuity of a program that represents a chance for a better future.
And you, do you think the lockdown is fair or that there should be an alternative so as not to harm students? Comment your opinion below!
Investigating is necessary to check doubts, but I believe it is yet another way of diverting public money for other purposes.
Does anyone really believe that this money is CRUCIAL for a young person to STUDY in a public school with MORE QUALITY?
Where are we going? Ask this teacher to go to the public school and evaluate high school education. What impacts the lives of these young people is having a minimum of responsibility for their own lives and studying is part of that. It is not what guarantees IMPACT in life!