EDUCATION Ministry finance director Thomas Prasad has warned principals to strictly comply with government assistance schemes or risk being reported for fraud.
Speaking during the Fiji Principals Association conference in Nadi last week, Mr Prasad said the $40million back-to-school assistance program was intended only for families earning below the $50,000 threshold.
“We have noticed in the past there have been forms where the child is above the threshold,” he said.
“I am not here to warn you, I am just here to inform you that we need to comply and be good stewards for whom we have been assigned to.”
He urged principals to take responsibility and not leave due diligence to their assistants.
Mr Prasad also highlighted issues with non-compliance in the transport assistance scheme. The eligibility criteria for application for transport assistance to students remain at a combined annual household income of $16,000.
“If we receive any submission factored in the portal and (it’s) above $16,000 for the total household income … we will identify the heads of schools and you will be reported to FICAC, because that will be fraud for submitting falsified information.
“We know there are places and times when we issue forms just because we know somebody in charge. Please stop it — this is assistance given by the Government strictly for those that need it most.
“We need to comply, because if we give it to somebody else, at the end of the day the head of school is responsible … and we will come for you.”
Ratu Sukuna Memorial School principal Miriama Naicegucegu told the conference regular training for finance officers and bursars would help address these problems.
“Let’s not assume that those posted to schools have the know-how,” she said.
“I request your support in terms of seeing that there is regular training, not only for school heads but for finance officers or bursars.”
In response, Mr Prasad said training could be an option but reminded school heads they were accountable.
“It’s your call to advise. Without you telling us, we would not know — be reminded you have been appointed in that position.”
