Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, has announced that all budget submissions from various ministries will undergo detailed evaluations, as his Ministry begins to receive requests for increased funding across several sectors. This follows the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure responsible fiscal planning as the country prepares for its upcoming budget.
Prasad expressed that significant preparations are already underway and consultations with community groups and stakeholders will be an integral part of the budgeting process. He reflected on the successes of the previous two budgets, which included initiatives to improve income levels by raising the minimum wage and increasing salaries for civil servants. Additionally, the government has provided strong support for agriculture and social welfare initiatives.
In previous statements, Prasad has emphasized the importance of addressing the national debt and improving the health and education sectors, asserting that the motivations behind funding requests are driven by pressing social needs rather than political agendas. This approach aims to address critical socio-economic challenges such as poverty and inequality within the country.
As Fiji readies itself for the fiscal year, with the budget address scheduled for June 27, Prasad has urged stakeholders to play an active role in the budget submission process. He noted that while progress has been made, significant work lies ahead to further enhance the well-being of the population.
This proactive strategy by the government towards financial management displays a strong commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth while ensuring that the needs of communities are met, ultimately contributing to a brighter future for all Fijians.
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