Former Minister for Education under the Fiji First government, Premila Kumar has called for reinstatement of the zoning policy.
The zoning policy was scrapped by Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro in 2023.
She said the now scrapped zooming policy ensured a balanced distribution of students with varying academic abilities across all schools, reduced transportation costs, prevented elitism, encouraged parental involvement in local schools and provided ng clear enrolment criteria to eliminate favouritism and bias.
“There have even been instances where students were turned away in their uniforms after attending school for only a few days,” said Mrs Kumar.
“The minister must be held accountable for this situation, which has created widespread confusion, discrimination, and hardship for parents and students.”
“The core issue is that enrolment now depends on personal connections rather than fair and transparent criteria.”
“The real reason for scrapping the zoning policy was to allow wealthy elites—politicians, doctors, businesspeople, lawyers, and CEOs—to secure spots for their children in top government schools, funded by taxpayers.”
“Meanwhile, lower-income families are left with limited and less convenient options.”
Mrs Kumar claims now parents are consistently forced to pay fares out of their pocket.
“The Minister’s irresponsible decision has disrupted a system that ensured fairness and order in school placements.”
“Instead of creating equal opportunities, the government has given an unfair advantage to the privileged few, leaving ordinary families to bear the burden.”
