Education Minister, Doctor Mahendra Reddy said it is unfortunate that SODELPA has chosen to oppose the government’s initiative of setting up technical colleges around the country.
Reddy said students do not have to pay fees when attending these technical colleges.
He also said the assistance at the technical colleges are provided for all students irrespective of their ethnicity.
Reddy gave an update in parliament that there are plans to set up technical colleges in Bua, Wainikoro, Nausori, Tavua, Navua, Sigatoka, Lautoka and Rakiraki to assist students from around the country who want to develop their technical skills.
In response, opposition parliamentarian, Mikaele Leawere said SODELPA opposes this idea.
He also asked what is in it for the i-Taukei students and claimed that the fees is too high although the government has clearly stated that the fees is free for the students.
Opposition MP, Biman Prasad said the idea to set up technical colleges is not a bad one.
However he said the Minister has shied away from talking about the quality of these colleges.
Prasad said Reddy has not talked about the pathway that these students will have and the link between what is offered by the Fiji National University and TPAF.
Prasad believes that consultations should be held on this.
