The Education Minister Aseri Radrodro has issued a statement regarding delays in Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) contributions for teachers, attributing the hold-up to the transition to a new payroll system. He explained that the ministry was reconciling various financial reports, which resulted in the delayed FNPF payments for January and February.
Mr. Radrodro assured that these challenges have been addressed and promised that all outstanding FNPF payments will be processed by this week. He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to preventing future issues in this area.
In addition to the FNPF concerns, the minister spoke about the complexities involved in processing salary payments for new graduate teachers. He indicated that steps such as teacher induction, qualification verification, and documentation completion have sometimes resulted in delays, although these processes are crucial for maintaining accuracy and compliance.
Importantly, he highlighted that in December 2024, the Ministry of Education facilitated qualification upgrade payments for 295 teachers and that the current HR department is compiling a list of teachers seeking salary adjustments based on submitted qualification upgrades. This listing will be included in the upcoming 2025/2026 budget submission.
The ongoing issues with salary payments and FNPF contributions echo previously reported challenges within Fiji’s education sector, where teachers have expressed concerns over their financial stability, particularly as many are awaiting overdue salary upgrades linked to advanced qualifications. Union representatives, including the Fiji Teachers Union, have been vocal about the need for prompt resolution of these financial matters, pointing to their critical role in promoting morale among educators.
The proactive approach taken by Minister Radrodro and the ongoing discussions with financial and IT departments signal a hopeful outlook for improved support for teachers in Fiji. Addressing these issues effectively could not only restore confidence but also contribute significantly to enhancing the educational landscape for both teachers and students in the nation.
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