Parmesh Chand, the former chairman of the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) from 2009 to May 2010, has publicly expressed his regret for the decisions made during his tenure that led to the reduction of certain pensions for FNPF members. In a letter published in The Fiji Times, he acknowledged that the plans to reduce pensions were initially aimed at maintaining the fund’s solvency, but this was met with strong opposition from pensioners. They argued that these changes breached agreed protocols and betrayed their trust.
Mr. Chand recalled that despite the pushback from pensioners, the FNPF, with government support, implemented significant cuts to pensions in 2012. This included options for lump sum payments that left many without regular pension income. Additionally, he mentioned the introduction of Decree 51, which restricted the pensioners’ right to appeal these decisions through the courts.
Notably, the current Coalition Government has pledged to restore the reduced pensions to their original amounts. Mr. Chand expressed his renewed support for the pensioners and his belief that their ongoing campaign would succeed in this new democratic climate. He concluded his reflection with a heartfelt apology for both his earlier stance and the delay in addressing these matters.
This development represents a positive shift for FNPF pensioners as they work toward restoring their benefits. The recognition of past mistakes and the commitment from the current government to rectify them highlight the importance of accountability and trust in managing pension funds.
In summary, Mr. Chand’s apology and the government’s decision to restore pensions suggest a hopeful future for the pensioners, providing a sense of justice and renewed confidence in their financial security.
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