Delays in the $200 Back to School Grant have largely been caused by verification issues, including incorrect telephone numbers, errors in parents’ Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) or identification details, and delays in the submission of forms.
This has been highlighted by Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel who says the payment process remains ongoing and will not stop until all verified applications have been processed and paid.
The Minister acknowledged concerns from parents who have not yet received the assistance, including cases where individuals were told payments had been made to their MPAISA account but were not reflected.
He says that if this is true, then it will be investigated.
Responding to calls from civil society organisations to shift from cash payments to a voucher-based system, Immanuel says the current method is more transparent and easier for parents to access.
With applications still pending even as the second week of school continues, Immanuel says lessons would be taken from the current rollout to improve future processes, including moving away from paper-based applications.
He also addressed disputes involving separated parents or guardians applying for assistance, saying the Ministry relies on information verified and submitted through schools.
Immanuel says parents are encouraged to ensure their details are accurate and to follow up with their child’s school if they have not yet received the $200 Back to School Grant, because once it is received from teachers, the Ministry of Education will assume that details are correct.
