Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar has strongly criticized the Ministry of Education for its recent statement attributing salary delays for teachers to the non-signing of appointment letters. Kumar characterized this accusation as an evasive tactic aimed at diverting attention from the government’s broader failures in managing the education system.
In comments made to FijiLive, Kumar emphasized that the issue lies with the Ministry, not the teachers. She articulated her concerns regarding the Ministry’s policies, questioning how teachers were permitted to start teaching without having signed their appointment letters. “This is a direct breach of the Ministry’s own regulations designed to protect students and uphold educational standards,” Kumar asserted.
As a former Education Minister, Kumar highlighted that proper procedures ensure that only qualified personnel should enter classrooms. “Allowing teachers to work without the necessary documentation not only breaks the rules but also compromises the safety and integrity of our educational environment,” she stated.
Furthermore, Kumar urged the Ministry to acknowledge its systemic failures instead of placing blame on teachers, some of whom have gone unpaid and publicly vilified for issues beyond their control. She challenged the government’s narrative, pointing to a pattern of shifting blame to previous administrations rather than taking responsibility to resolve the issues at hand.
Kumar conveyed a sense of urgency, insisting that the Minister for Education must act decisively to rectify the situation. “The Ministry needs to ensure timely payments to teachers and adhere strictly to its own hiring protocols,” she maintained.
This call for accountability comes amidst ongoing discussions surrounding salary adjustments for teachers who have recently upgraded their qualifications but have not received promised increments. The Minister’s hesitance to communicate effectively about these lingering issues further exacerbates the dissatisfaction among educators, potentially impacting the future of teaching in Fiji.
Overall, the insistence on taking proactive steps to support teachers can lead to a more stable and encouraging educational environment that benefits both educators and students in the long run. By prioritizing the needs of teachers, the Ministry of Education can aspire to uplift the quality of education in Fiji, addressing concerns that affect educators and, ultimately, the students they serve.
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