11 January, 2026, 8:07 pm Central - 23°C Rain

Finance Minister says Back to School funds in Jan to ensure money is used for its intended purpose

Finance Minister says Back to School funds in Jan to ensure money is used for its intended purpose

By Rashika Kumar
08/12/2025

We are aware that almost 100 percent of the 200 dollar Back to School assistance will not be used for its intended purpose if we disburse it now, so we want to ensure that all of it, or at least close to it, is used correctly.

This has been highlighted by the Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel as fund will be disbursed from January 16th next year and not this month as has been done previously.

While responding to questions by fijivillage News, Immanuel says they want to make sure that the funds are utilized for the correct purpose because if they pay it now, they are not sure whether funds will be utilized for the purpose or not.

He says the Ministry did not receive any complaints or any submissions in this regard.

Immanuel says they also want to ensure that parents and guardians buy things for their children for school and do not utilize it for a purpose other than that.

As applications close this Friday, he is urging parents to apply now so that the funds are given on time.

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