Only few slashed, a few added. What a surprise!
The recommendation by the Special Committee on Emoluments recent report was the least expected from the Peoples’ Coalition Government.
This proposed increase in salaries, allowances and benefits has ruffled feathers of many.
This is not the right time to accept the proposal when the Fijians are indebted in loans in billions of dollars and the greater majority are feeling the pinch of the skyrocketing inflation rates.
If there is necessary to increase, then it must be done in pieces or phase basis like what was done when implementing the national minimum wage.
The review of the salaries, entitlements of beneficiaries accorded to parliamentarians is probably overdue, but not straightway 100per cent to backbenchers with parliamentary sitting allowances, other allowances and benefits.
After one year in government with significant cost-cutting by the Peoples’ Coalition Government according to the Leader of the NFP and the Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad is the result of as such.
I agree with him but suggests that the proposed increases must be carried out into phases rather as one whole piece.
Secondly, the workers of the nation also deserve such increases to make their ends meet too and, therefore, salary increases must be across the board for all.
Salary back-pays and COLA adjustments are warranted.
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