$32.5 million paid to 162,292 students as part of the $200 Back to School Support initiative

The Ministry of Finance has successfully paid a total of $32.5 million to 162,292 students as part of the $200 Back to School Support initiative.

Permanent Secretary of Finance Shiri Gounder says this is the first phase of payment for applications received by the 20th of January.

He says applications received after 20th January will be assessed and paid later next week.

Gounder adds parents can now withdraw these funds at any Vodafone or Digicel outlet or purchase items at registered retail outlets accepting mPAISA or MYCASH payments.

He says for parents that had opted for payment through Post Fiji, they can visit the nearest postal outlet to access their funds.

Gounder is urging parents to use these funds responsibly to purchase school related items and ensure that students are properly equipped before school starts in February.