Finance Minister defends grants to Polytech, ServicePro

Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel has defended government grants awarded to two institutions that were flagged by Parliament.

Mr Immanuel stated that the funding followed proper legal procedures, despite the Higher Education Commission (HEC) claiming the grants were illegal.

“Perhaps he doesn’t understand the process,” Mr Immanuel said today, referring to HEC director Eci Naisele’s assertion that grants to Pacific Polytech and ServicePro Institute were unlawful.

“But as I mentioned, the process went through a legal process that we have.”

Mr Immanuel explained that institutions first apply through the Fiji Higher Education Commission, then to the Ministry of Finance, followed by Cabinet-level discussions, before Parliament approves the funding.

His comments follow the withdrawal of a parliamentary committee report that had called for a Commission of Inquiry into how grants were allocated to the two institutions.

Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar expressed disappointment over the withdrawal, saying it showed government interference in committee work.

“It is very disappointing that without any knowledge, the report was withdrawn for debate,” Ms Kumar said.

“If the report is withdrawn because of a recommendation to undertake a commission of inquiry in Polytech, if that is the reason, then it is a sad day for Fiji.”

Ms Kumar said Pacific Polytech received escalating grants of $1 million, $3 million and $7 million despite being a new institution with no track record.

The Standing Committee on Social Affairs had recommended stopping future funding to both institutions after finding they operated without Higher Education Commission approval and offered unaccredited courses.

Commission director Eci Naisele previously told Parliament in August that grants given without commission approval could be considered illegal as the institutions failed to meet requirements.

Mr Immanuel said the Ministry of Finance would work with the Higher Education Commission to clarify the process.

“The parties have to work together to see that,” he said.

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