More than 100 cane growers have registered for the direct deductions to the Fiji National Provident Fund voluntary scheme.

The FNPF voluntary scheme had been in existent for years. However, official arrangement for the cane proceeds deduction have now been made between Sugar Cane Growers Council, Fiji Sugar Corporation and the FNPF.

Sugar Cane Growers Council chief executive, Sundresh Chetty said through this, the growers could pay their FNPF contributions direct from their cane proceeds.

“We are in the final stages of finalising a memorandum of understanding and deduction authority forms and hope to get it signed any time soon,” Mr Chetty said.

The deduction will commence from the March 17 cane payments.

“Growers are showing keen interest and so far we have registered more than 100 growers and with the arrangement on deduction from the cane proceeds now in place we expect more and more growers to join.”

About the scheme:

The minimum contribution is $7 per month or $84 per annum.

Those growers who are intending to join the FNPF voluntary scheme, and find it difficult to pay cash for their contributions, can give authority for deduction from their cane proceeds and direct payment to FNPF by FSC, says Mr Chetty.

“The registration and deduction authority forms are available at all SCGC district offices and our staffs are ready to assist the growers who are willing to register and join the scheme.”

“Membership age limit is from 16 to 54 years; however, those growers who have gone past the age limit can nominate their children or family members who work on the farms.”

Voluntary members are entitled to the same benefits as compulsory members.

Registration requirements:

For registration of a voluntary member $50 will be required to open an account to accommodate special death benefit premium as shown on the brochure (Other requirements are: TIN letter, birth certificate, passport size photo, photo ID, marriage certificate.etc.)

“Growers are being made aware during our consultation meetings, through media and the field staff of SCGC and FSC,” he said.

The cane growers will have something for their retirement and for their family’s future.

Mr Chetty has asked the cane growers to take advantage of this programme.

EDITED BY: IVAMERE NATARO

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