SUVA, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Fiji's Education Ministry is developing a comprehensive disciplinary policy to target staff misconduct, shortages and weak accountability.

Education Minister Aseri Radrodro said in parliament on Tuesday that the new policy focuses on gaps in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects, remote schools and areas affected by retirements or resignations while improving teacher retention and motivation.

The new framework also aims to eliminate previous gaps that led to delays, favoritism and weak accountability, according to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation.

Radrodro also outlined changes to the teacher transfer policy to tackle staff shortages and redistribute teachers across schools, divisions and districts.

He said teachers can request transfers after serving a set period, with annual windows and formal procedures to ensure fair movements.