Other laws cover discipline, corporal punishment dropped from Bill amendment

The provision on corporal punishment was removed from the Education Bill 2025 following concerns raised during public consultations, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro says.

Mr Radrodro said the clause was taken out of the Bill’s initial draft after submissions were heard by the parliamentary committee.

“Based on the concerns and issues that were raised, it had to be removed from the initial draft,” he told this newspaper.

“But that does not mean there are no other laws in place that deal with punishment and discipline.”

Mr Radrodro said the removal was deliberate and that disciplinary matters remained covered under other laws and processes.

“That would be the reason why it was removed. In terms of discipline, there are other ministries and departments that look after those processes,” he said.

He said the Bill’s primary objective was to ensure children remained in the education system and completed their schooling.

“The main focus of the Education Bill is the education of our children — to make sure they remain in the school system and complete their educational journey,” he said.

The clarification comes amid ongoing debate over corporal punishment. The Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) has called for its reinstatement, while the Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) opposes the move.

Section 41(d) of the 2013 Constitution currently prohibits corporal punishment. However, the Constitution Review Commission is conducting nationwide consultations until July 3, and the provision could be considered as part of that review.

The Education Bill 2025 was passed by Parliament on May 26 with 38 votes in favour and 14 against.