Free education at risk for vulnerable students, Dialogue Fiji warns

Dialogue Fiji has warned that despite recognising free education, the Education Bill 2025 could leave vulnerable students behind unless clearer safeguards are put in place.

Making submissions to the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights, Dialogue Fiji programme manager Pooja Dutt said the bill was ambitious and progressive but risked undermining equity if key gaps were not addressed.

“Education is meant to be free, and that principle must be protected,” Ms Dutt said.
“While the bill is progressive in many ways and we strongly welcome the ban on corporal punishment, sections on levies, enrolment and school hours could disadvantage some children.”

She highlighted Section 76, which allows schools to charge levies despite education being constitutionally free, warning this could place additional financial pressure on low-income families.

Ms Dutt also raised concerns about Section 67, which restricts enrolment after the first two weeks of term, saying this could affect children from poor, mobile or unstable households.

“The bill gives a lot of discretion to authorities without clear guidance,” she said.
“We need rules that protect students and ensure fairness across all schools.”

Dialogue Fiji executive director Nilesh Lal supported suggestions by the Great Council of Chiefs that alternatives to corporal punishment be clearly defined in the law.

“That is an excellent idea,” Mr Lal said.
“If corporal punishment is banned, there must be clear and consistent guidelines so discipline is fair and evenly applied.”

Dialogue Fiji welcomed Section 73, which bans physical, emotional and humiliating punishment, as well as Section 34, which protects students and teachers in relation to religious instruction.

However, the organisation warned that without stronger safeguards, the bill could widen disparities between well-resourced schools and those in poorer communities.

Dialogue Fiji urged Parliament to revise the bill to ensure levies remain reasonable, enrolment rules are flexible, and all students are protected from unfair treatment.

“Education must be accessible and safe for every child,” Ms Dutt said.
“Without clear guidance, some students could be left behind.”

Dialogue Fiji called on lawmakers to strengthen the bill to make it fairer and more inclusive before it is passed.