Minister Seeks an Increase

The Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs has submitted a request for increased funding in the 2025-2026 National Budget, following high demand and the success of its community grants programme.

This was revealed by Minister Charan Jeath Singh during a visit to Labasa, where he said he remained confident that the Government would support the bid to enable the ministry to reach more communities in the upcoming financial year.

"As a minister who believes in transparency and accountability, I wish to disclose the total number and types of projects supported by the ministry throughout Fiji during this financial year," Mr Singh said.

The list includes:

• 11 Accessibility projects
• 5 Borehole projects
• 14 Equipment projects;
•  16 Fencing projects;
• 3 Learning and Development projects;
•  48 Musical Instrument projects;
•  48 Renovation projects;
•  2 Retaining Wall projects;
•  41 Shed Materials projects;
•  4 Solar Light projects;
•  1 Sound System project;
•  1 Religious Idol project; and
•  8 Water Management projects

"These projects reflect the real needs of our communities and show the ministry's reach across all regions of the country," Mr Singh said.

He emphasised that the grants were designed to ease hardships at the grassroots level and strengthen social cohesion, a key objective of the ministry.

"My ministry has delivered meaningful support to community- based organisations working directly with our people, and we have ensured the highest standards of integrity in grant assessments," he said.

Each application, he added, underwent a rigorous evaluation process, and only those meeting the required criteria were approved for funding.

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