Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the $200 back-to-school support is a freebie but a necessary one given the socio-economic realities faced by many Fijians.
He said this at a press conference yesterday where he was asked for a comment to statements made by opposition Members of Parliament that the $200 for every early childhood education to Year 13 student was nothing short of “freebies”.
“They are all freebies because they come free from Government,” the PM said.
“But it’s a necessity at this time – people still recovering from the effects of COVID, effect of COVID on employment, the downturn on the economy that we have suffered.
“So a lot of people have difficulties and need help, and the best time to assist them is at the beginning of the school year.”
Mr Rabuka said by giving $200 to every school child from families whose combined income was $50,000 or less, heads of families could spend their scant resources on providing for other immediate needs.
“It will put their minds at ease and they can concentrate on the welfare and wellbeing, apart from the financial side of their families.”
He said tertiary students could expect an announcement soon on initiatives to assist them and promised it would be done before universities begin enrollment.
