Ministry of Education permanent secretary Selina Kuruleca has reiterated the ministry’s call to parents that applications for the blue eTransport card will be verified before assistance is released.
Responding to concerns raised by frustrated parents over the delay of the assistance, Ms Kuruleca said the information gathered by teachers would have to be verified by ministry staff in Suva.
Ms Kuruleca told this newspaper some schools’ applications have yet to be verified, hence the delay.
“First payments were done in week three and again will be done in week seven,” she said.
Ms Kuruleca said headquarters staff members would make payments once the information had been verified.
“Forms are verified by parents and teachers.
“They will upload the application to Fiji Education Management Information System once verified.”
The blue eTransport cards are for bus fare assistance for students whose parents’ income is below $16,000.
According to parents, who raised their concerns with this newspaper, the blue eTransport card has yet to be released to their children with some claiming that they applied for the cards last year.
