Minister refutes vote-buying claims, stresses budget utilisation

Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Heritage, Arts and Culture, Charan Jeath Singh, has dismissed claims of “vote buying” through the Government’s multi-ethnic grants programme.

Mr Singh said the increase in grants awarded to religious and community groups was due to the ministry’s improved capacity to deliver assistance, supported by a higher budget allocation.

He revealed that 195 multi-ethnic grants were awarded in the Northern Division, accounting for 40 per cent of the total grants distributed in Labasa yesterday.

Mr Singh highlighted that the total allocation for this year’s grant programme stands at $2 million, an increase of $700,000 from the previous financial year.

“I want to tell my critics, we have been giving out grants for the past two years,” he said.

He emphasised that the ministry’s priority was to fully utilise its allocated budget to maximise support for communities.

“When I get a budget allocation, I make sure to utilise it to its maximum and dispatch assistance to revive and grow communities and religious groups,” he said.

Mr Singh added that all grant recipients were selected through a proper vetting process based on merit.

“I am a transparent minister and work for a transparent Government, so under my leadership, grants are given to genuine recipients,” he said.

He is confident that funding for the programme will continue to grow in response to increasing community needs and strong participation from organisations.

When asked about the Coalition Government’s prospects in the next general election, Mr Singh remained optimistic.

“We will win the upcoming election, anybody complaining about that is wasting their time,” he said.

Meanwhile, president of the Wailevu Arya Mahila Mandal, Nirmala Devi, said the Coalition Government would be remembered for introducing the initiative.

“Governments change every four years, but when a particular government introduces an initiative such as the multi-ethnic grant, it stays in people’s minds,” she said.

She said the assistance helped small communities grow and unite for the betterment of society.

Navakuru Women’s Club trustee, Esita Talei, echoed similar sentiments, saying receiving the grant reassured members that the Government cares for rural populations.

Ms Talei said while some may view the assistance purely as financial support for development projects, it also motivates citizens to have confidence in Government processes.

She added that such initiatives contribute to strengthening Fiji’s multi-ethnic communities.