The Ministry of Education has acknowledged ongoing challenges related to delayed contributions to the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), the uploading of pay slips to the Fiji Education Management Information System (FEMIS), and the payment of new teachers’ salaries. Minister Aseri Radrodro has clarified that these issues are not new, but rather a result of complications inherited from previous administrations.
Radrodro confirmed that delays in FNPF payments for January and February are largely due to the transition to a new payroll system, which is currently incompatible with many existing government application servers, including FEMIS. In response, the Ministry is implementing monitoring procedures and guidelines aimed at streamlining payment processes to ensure timely delivery of salaries and contributions moving forward.
The Minister assured educators that efforts are underway to rectify these issues, particularly the outstanding FNPF payments, which are expected to be addressed shortly. He also emphasized that the process for releasing salaries for new graduates is multifaceted, involving aspects such as teacher induction, qualification verification, and the completion of documentation, which can lead to delays.
In light of these challenges, Radrodro highlighted that in December 2024, the Ministry facilitated qualification upgrade payments for 295 eligible teachers. The Human Resource Department is now compiling listings of teachers who have submitted their documents and requests for further salary adjustments, which will be included in the forthcoming budget for the 2025-2026 financial year.
Both current and previous discussions underscore the government’s commitment to addressing the financial stability of educators and ensuring fair compensation for their contributions. By tackling these issues proactively, there is potential for a revitalized morale among teachers and an overall improvement in Fiji’s educational landscape.
There is optimism that with swift actions taken by the Ministry, the pending issues can soon be resolved, helping to foster a supportive environment that recognizes the vital role of educators in shaping the future of the nation.
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