Rosy Akbar [Source: Fijian Parliament]

The Education Ministry is currently holding a consultation with relevant authorities to address the abuse of student’s e-ticketing funds.

Minister responsible, Rosy Akbar says they’ve received complaints from the Fiji Bus Operators Association on the constant abuse of students’ bus card by parents.

“We are investigating ways in which we can tighten up the transport assistant system further in consultation with LTA, FRCS, Vodafone, Fiji Bus Operators Association, Department of Information and the Office of the Attorney General and of course our ministry will be making its announcement for this to be effective in due course. I also would like to acknowledge the contributions made by FBOA and Vodafone to the transport assistance program which has made a significant difference in the lives of students and their families.”

The Ministry has undertaken an unannounced audit and found discrepancies in their report.

Akbar says the report reveals mal-administration which has led to the decentralization of some schools.

“We are all obliged to maintain fiscal discipline and accountability for public funds. Such a finding must be used in the best interest of the school. We have centralized the free education grant of 34 schools and having recently decentralized 50. It is sad that we have to do this due to the mal-administration of the fact by the school management.”

The Ministry is urging parents and school administrators to be responsible and be accountable for their actions.