The Government is strengthening the iTaukei administration to ensure that the benefits of development reach our ordinary iTaukei communities and at the same time, protect their culture, traditions and rights.
While announcing the 2025/2026 National Budget, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad says $2.8 million is provided for monthly allowances for the Turaga-ni-Koro, and almost $2 million for Mata-ni-Tikina, Vanua Leadership and District Advisory Councilors.
He says to promote the education of Indigenous Fijians, employment, businesses and overall economic development, the iTaukei Affairs Ministry received an increased budget of $41 million.
The Finance Minister highlighted that this is an increase of $25.5 million since the Coalition Government came into office, including an operating grant of $7.2 million to the provincial councils and $4.7 million to the iTaukei Affairs Board.
He says to support the Justice of the Peace, who provide essential public services in our communities, for the first time, they will be provided a monthly allowance of $100, and $1 million is allocated in this Budget.
He adds that $3 million is provided for iTaukei resource owners' support and development fund, which provides a 3-year interest subsidy on loans through FDB and Merchant Finance.
The Minister says $2 million is also provided to support village improvement with small development works.
He highlighted that the Multi-Ethnic Affairs is provided with a total budget of $6.9 million for the promotion of social cohesion and cultural development, installation of gas-fired crematoriums, rural community cemeteries, associated infrastructure for dignified funeral services, digitization of Girmit records and Girmit Day celebrations.
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