The Ministry of Education National Heritage Culture and Arts has completed the disbursement of free education grants to schools as scheduled.
“I am happy to say that the final batch of cheques for free education was disbursed to the remaining primary and secondary school bank accounts yesterday,” said the Ministry’s permanent secretary Dr Brij Lal.
“A total of $21, 949014.00 was deposited into the respective school bank accounts, said Dr Lal.
“To date the eligible 904 schools have received the free education grant. The list also includes new infant, primary and secondary schools,” said Dr Lal.
“My sincere appeal to respective schools heads to check the school bank accounts to confirm that payments have been received. The Ministry of Education’s accounts section will assist schools with any inconvenience, Dr Lal said.
Meanwhile the Permanent Secretary today cautioned school managements on the administration of the grants.
“Now that grants are in the school bank accounts, effective financial management is essential for schools so that they exercise proper controls and stewardship over significant amounts of public money,” said Dr. Lal
“School heads and managements are fully aware of the important financial procedures and expectation of the free education grants to schools. Every school should maintain proper records book displaying usage of all government grants.” said Dr. Lal
“School heads and managements need to allocate and distribute resources effectively to meet school priorities for development and improvement,” added Dr. Lal.
The government has now committed to provide truly free primary and secondary school education for all Fijian children, the eligible school heads and management need to make wise use of dispersed funds.
“The disbursement of the term two and three grants will only be determined after the receipt of the audited and endorsed 2013 school financial report and AGM minutes by 31st May of 2014”.
“Discrepancies in the school account may prompt the PSE to intervene and institute disciplinary actions or legal proceedings against the school or individual implicated,” he said.
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