Premila Kumar says SODELPA’s proposed policies are a sign of political desperation

Premila Kumar says SODELPA’s proposed policies are a sign of political desperation

By Naveel Krishant
30/11/2021
Education Minister Premila Kumar.

Education Minister Premila Kumar says the current TELS debt currently stands at around $600 million and to send every school leaver to university will cost around $200 million annually.

While responding to SODELPA Leader Viliame Gavoka who had said that SODELPA will make tertiary education free and cancel all student loans under TELS, Kumar says SODELPA is proposing to write off $600 million and spend $200 million annually.

She says this is unsustainable adding SODELPA’s proposed policies are a sign of political desperation.

0% buffered00:00Current time00:00

Kumar also highlighted that the Government almost spends an average of $700 million annually on education.

She says despite the fiscal difficulties, they have ensured the education sector spending is not affected and they have continued to pay teachers despite calls to reduce teacher salary just because they were home.

FEATURE NEWS
State trying to make out of court settlement deal with Malimali, about $2 million on the table for discussions
There are clear indications today after the application for leave for a judicial review by former FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali that the State ...
1 hour ago
LATEST NEWS
Bridging the divide: building Pacific agency in the AI era
Artificial intelligence (AI) promises to be a powerful catalyst of social and economic development for Pacific Island countries. It has the potential ...
39 minutes ago

Seruiratu says 40,000 Fijians left between 2022-2023, worsening skills shortage
Over 40,000 people leaving our shores between 2022 and 2023 has placed immense pressure on Fiji’s workforce. While opposing the 2025/2026 ...
1 hour ago

Fiji leads call for a peaceful Pacific on the new vision for unity, security, and resilience
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka says Fiji is working towards a safer and more resilient future in the face of climate change, crime, and external ...
2 hours ago

Man remanded for allegedly striking pregnant wife with cane knife in Waiqanake
The man who allegedly stuck his wife on the head with a cane knife in Waiqanake Village, Rewa has been remanded in custody by the Suva Magistrates ...
2 hours ago

Parliament to debate FNPF Bill on Friday to allow members to rejoin after retirement
Parliament will debate the Fiji National Provident Fund Amendment Bill on Friday, which will allow people to rejoin the Fund a second time after ...
2 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Professor Prasad on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show will focus on the 2025/2026 National Budget.
5 days ago

Tui Nayau and Tui Lau Installation
The ceremony for the installation of the Tui Nayau Sau ni Vanua o Lau will be held tomorrow, while the installation ceremony of the Tui Lau will be held in Tubou on Thursday.
7 days ago

CFL 40th Birthday
CFL’s 40th Anniversary celebrations to culminate with free concert at Albert Park on ...
10 days ago

TOP