Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry has raised concerns regarding the funding provided to Pacific Polytechnic, also known as Polytech, which has reportedly failed to submit its audited accounts for the financial years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. This raises questions about the institution’s financial accountability, particularly as government grants to Polytech have seen a substantial increase, escalating from $1 million in 2023/2024 to a projected $7 million in the upcoming budget.
Chaudhry highlighted discrepancies in Polytech’s financial reporting, asserting that the institution has not filed returns with the Registrar of Companies since 2022. He criticized the Finance Minister for justifying the rising grants to Polytech while seemingly ignoring the lack of financial accountability. “Why is he not demanding accountability from the institute chair, Dr. Ganesh Chand?” Chaudhry questioned, reflecting the Labour Party’s ongoing inquiries about Polytech’s financial practices.
In response, Dr. Ganesh Chand, the chair of Polytech, stated that the institution has complied with financial reporting requirements by submitting its financial reports to both the Higher Education Commission and the Registrar of Companies, thus disputing the allegations made by Chaudhry.
This situation highlights a broader dialogue about the accountability of educational institutions in Fiji, especially those receiving significant government funding. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro has previously emphasized that all institutions, including Pacific Polytech, must adhere to stringent reporting protocols, and audits conducted thus far have indicated no issues.
With a growing number of institutions benefiting from governmental support, it is promising to see increased efforts to uphold financial accountability and transparency, ensuring that taxpayer funds are utilized effectively to support educational improvements across Fiji. This commitment not only encourages responsible governance but also fosters the development of a skilled workforce that can contribute positively to the nation’s future.
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