Vasu eyes financial Leaders discuss way independence forward

MINISTER for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu plans to develop the business arm of the ministry so it can be financially independent.

He said this after he was traditionally welcomed by the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs at the iTaukei Trust Fund Lounge in Nasese.

“I was briefed by the senior management, especially on the business arm of the ministry. I think that’s the way forward for us,” he said.

In his talks with the senior management, plans on the financial independence for the ministry were discussed.

“We want to connect to other ministries where we can link up and to develop our business arm. Hopefully, at one stage, the ministry can finance itself, especially for the Provincial Office rather than relying on the public. It’s quite possible.”

The minister also spoke on the issue of chiefly titles and how the chiefs needed support from the ministry.

“I told them you can give them the title, but support needs to be given in order for the chiefs to carry out their leadership role in the community. I visited Kadavu during the election period and there’s a need to improve support for chiefs in their tikina.”

Bill 17 was also an issue that the Minister addressed stating that consultation was paramount.

“In terms of the Bill there is a process to go through. What’s important for us is consultation. If everybody’s happy, then we should achieve something.”

Mr Vasu plans to continue his meetings with other departments to discuss issues pertaining to iTaukei issues.

INDIAN High Commissioner to Fiji Palaniswamy Karthigeyan and Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro met on Wednesday where they discussed ways to strengthen the long-standing relationship between Fiji and India in the area of education.

A statement from the Education Ministry stated the meeting provided an opportunity for both leaders to discuss ways to strengthen the long-standing relationship between the two nations — such as the provision of scholarships for Fijian students to pursue further studies in the best universities in India.

Mr Karthigeyan enlightened Mr Radrodro about a partnership fund that catered to the Parametric Insurance Project that was launched in August 2021.

“There are plans in place to scale up this insurance project to cater for 5000 households who fall under vulnerable categories such as farmers and social welfare recipients,” Mr Karthigeyan said.

“Students in Fiji have had access to 25 scholarships over the years to pursue any program of their choice at prestigious universities in India.

“In the previous year, this was reduced to 20 due to the unfavourable utilisation rate.”

He also assured Mr Radrodro that his office would work with priority areas identified by the Ministry and were more than happy to assist in any way possible.

Mr Radrodro acknowledged Mr Karthigeyan’s visit and assured him that the Ministry would continue to work with his team to help the education sector’s growth and, most importantly, to uphold Fiji’s long-standing relationship with India.

The courtesy visit was also attended by Assistant Minister for Education, Iliesa Vanawalu, and the head of National Education Service Delivery, Timoci Bure.

Mr Karthigeyan also made a courtesy call to Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Vatimi Rayalu.