Concerns were raised in Parliament over whether the Ministry of Justice's 2026/2027 National Budget allocation of $600,000 for Justice of the Peace allowances is enough to cover the JPs in the country.
During the Committee of Supply on the Ministry of Justice's budget estimates, Opposition MP Hem Chand asked how many JPs receive the allowance and whether they are paid annually or quarterly.
Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga responded that JPs are paid monthly, while Assistant Minister for Justice, Josaia Niudamu confirmed that there are 763 JPs for the current financial year.
Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj urged the Ministry to ensure JPs are paid on time, saying many have complained about delays.
Opposition MP Premila Kumar then questioned whether the allocation was sufficient, saying 763 JPs receiving $100 a month would require about $915,600 a year, which is more than the amount budgeted.
Turaga says payments are made according to the reporting process, with allowances paid only after JPs submit their reports.
Niudamu stressed that the Ministry is reviewing its records and inactive JPs will be removed from the list.
Opposition MP Vijay Nath claimed a JP at Nausori Market told him she had submitted the required report but had not received her allowance.
He says that this is a failure of the Ministry.
Turaga responded by asking Nath to provide the details.
