Labour to restore USP grant

THE Fiji Labour Party (FLP) will restore the USP grant if it comes into power.

While launching his party manifesto in Suva, FLP leader Mahendra Chaudhry said with the grants to tertiary institutions, they will be required to review their fees as well.

“Tertiary education fees in Fiji relative to incomes are too high,” Mr Chaudhry said.

“This must be addressed to benefit the students.

He said FLP manifesto outlined how Labour will reduce the burden of TELS.

“Labour will subsidise TELS by 50 per cent for those who complete their course within the prescribed time.

“This will be backdated for all outstanding TELS loans.

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“A Labour government will further subsidise TELS for those courses in the national interest and those courses that provide the best employment options.

“At tertiary level, our youth need to take responsibility and we need to provide incentives for them to work hard and excel.

“They will thank us for it and the nation will thank them.”

Mr Chaudhry said Labour will reintroduce scholarships under affirmative action programs for financially disadvantaged students.

“This is not a bias in favour of one group over another.

“It’s quite the opposite.

“It’s about creating a level playing field.

“This will grant assistance to our i-Taukei students who live in more remote locations and are financially challenged.”

He said the review will outline a comprehensive reshaping of the education sector, which will define Labour’s policy on education.

At tertiary level, our youth need to take responsibility

and we need to provide incentives for them to work hard and excel. They will thank us for it and the nation will thank them.

FLP leader Mahendra Chaudhry