Grant reduction due to compliance issue: Radrodro

Fiji's Ministry of Education has clarified that a reduction in free education grants for non-government primary schools stems from compliance issues, not a formula change. Opposition MP Hem Chand questioned the drop from $33.75 million to $30 million in the budget for the 2026/27 financial year.

Education Minister Aseri Radrodro explained that grant disbursements are contingent on schools adhering to ministry requirements. "Disbursement is based on the compliance from the respective schools," he stated. "So if we do not have compliance, say 30% of the schools, they will not be disbursed, those free education grants, until and unless they comply. Like providing financial statements, having the annual general meeting."

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Disbursement is based on the compliance from the respective schools. So if we do not have compliance, say 30% of the schools, they will not be disbursed, those free education grants, until and unless they comply. Like providing financial statements, having the annual general meeting.

Radrodro noted that some schools have failed to meet these criteria in previous years. "All the students in school are not deprived of free education grants. They are entitled to free education grants, but every school has to meet the criteria that have been set," he said. The minister stressed that the government cannot release funds without ensuring accountability for public money, especially since many schools have not submitted required information on time.

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All the students in school are not deprived of free education grants. They are entitled to free education grants, but every school has to meet the criteria that have been set. So our previous experience, most schools did not comply, most schools did not submit their information on time.