Forty-two schools did not receive the Free Education Grant last after failing to meet the Ministry of Education’s financial management and accountability requirements.
While responding to a written question by Opposition MP Hem Chand, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro says the affected schools included 35 primary schools and 7 secondary schools.
The Eastern Division recorded the highest number, with 20 primary schools and four secondary schools missing out on the grant.
This was followed by Lautoka and Yasawa, where six primary schools and one secondary school did not receive the grant.
Two primary schools each in Macuata and Bua, Cakaudrove and Nausori were affected, while three primary schools in Nadroga and Navosa also missed out.
One secondary school each in Cakaudrove and Nausori did not receive the grant.
Radrodro says this is a significant improvement compared with 2022, when 117 primary schools and 41 secondary schools did not receive the grant because of non-compliance.
He says schools must complete termly class audits and update student numbers on FEMIS, maintain monthly bank reconciliations, submit their Annual Financial Reports and provide minutes from their Annual General Meetings to qualify for grant payments.
The Minister says the School Management Handbook is being reviewed in line with the Education Act 2026 to improve accountability and transparency in the use of the Free Education Grant and support the efficient operation and maintenance of schools.
