Tabuya clarifies that no one will be removed from the bus fare assistance scheme

Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya has clarified that no recipient will be removed from the bus fare assistance scheme that includes the elderly bus fare assistance program and the bus fare assistance for persons living with disabilities, which will continue.

Tabuya says the misleading statement on the front page of the Fiji Times last week led to several NGOs responding with genuine concerns about the program.

She says, therefore, the statement made by the New Vision Fiji CEO is unfounded as it is based on the incorrect front page headlines. Tabuya says the welfare graduation program will only target able-bodied recipients assisted through the Family Assistance Scheme, previously known as the Poverty Benefit Scheme.

She says through this welfare graduation program, able-bodied men and women between the ages of 18 to 45 years will be provided appropriate skills training and education for placement in possible places of employment to assist them in transitioning from welfare to workfare.

She further adds the Government takes concrete steps to move away from fostering a dependent attitude to encouraging personal responsibility, employment creation, and skills capacity building, as it is important for NGOs and politicians to understand the target recipients and should, therefore, support the Government in its efforts to reduce poverty.