[Photo: FILE]
The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs has been allocated $33.1 million in the 2026–2027 financial year, with funding focused on supporting landowners, traditional institutions, and village development projects.
The allocation is a decrease of $7.9 million compared to the current financial year.
The Budget includes $7.2 million for provincial councils, while $3.2 million has been allocated as an operating grant for the iTaukei Affairs Board.
A further $3.8 million will support economic empowerment initiatives for landowners through the iTaukei Resource Owners Support and Development Fund.
“This programme supports landowners to move beyond simply leasing land and become active participants in economic growth.”
The Government has also allocated $4.2 million towards monthly allowances for 1,197 village headmen, 262 district representatives, and 1,189 clan leaders.
The Village Improvement Scheme will continue in the new financial year, receiving $1.3 million to support infrastructure upgrades, sanitation, beautification, and community development projects.
The Centre for Appropriate Technology and Development in Nadave will receive $2 million to expand its capacity, including capital works for new campuses in the Western Division.
The Ministry has also been allocated $1 million to improve access roads to native land leases.
