Pravind Jugnauth: Salary Adjustment, Complex Issue Needing In-Depth Analysis

Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth emphasized yesterday morning, during his address to a gathering of government officials and employees at the Swami Vivekananda International Conference Centre (SVICC) in Pailles, that the issue of salary adjustment and relative salary is a complex one requiring in-depth work.

This possibility of a salary restructuring had been announced by Labour and Industrial Relations Minister Soodesh Callichurn since the end of last year and has been generating increased interest following the increase to Rs 20,000 in the minimum wage in the 2024/25 budget.

The Prime Minister reiterated that “the question of salary adjustment is not yet finished” and that the government has already instructed the Pay Research Bureau to delve into this matter, with work already underway.

He assured that the Secretary of Cabinet and the Secretary for Finance are also paying special attention to this dossier.

“We are working on it, and we will take decisions based on the recommendations,” he said, indicating that it is a complex issue that requires a thorough examination.

The Prime Minister emphasized his track record since taking office in 2017, highlighting his dedication to honoring his commitments.

The Prime Minister also addressed the challenges faced by public officials, stating that they often find themselves victims of defamation and are unable to defend themselves like politicians, requiring them to take legal action.

He also lamented the lack of respect for public institutions and officials, citing the example of election petitions filed by the opposition, which were ultimately unsuccessful.

He assured that despite electoral defeats, he has never attacked public officials. “I have always respected my word,” he said. “I have never failed to deliver what I promised.”

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of public officials, stating that this remains a priority for the government.

He also highlighted the need for continuous training and capacity building for public officials, indicating that the Civil Service College at Ebène is nearing completion and will be inaugurated next September.

The Prime Minister also touched on the importance of technology in improving service delivery and quality of life for citizens, citing various technological advancements adopted by the public sector, including e-HR, e-DMS, and modernized performance management systems.

Labour Minister Anjiv Ramdhany spoke about the importance of productive human resources, stating that a strong public sector is essential for a country’s socio-economic development.

He highlighted the role played by public officials in facilitating access to services for citizens and emphasized the potential of emerging technologies to improve access to services, simplify procedures, and pave the way for a more efficient public service.

The United Nations Public Service Day, adopted on December 20, 2002, is celebrated annually on June 23 to recognize the value and virtue of public service rendered to the community; to promote recognition of public service in development processes; to recognize the work of public officials; and to encourage young people to pursue a career in the public sector.

This year’s theme was “Fostering Innovation in Response to Global Challenges: A Public Sector Perspective.”

Attendees also enjoyed a thoughtful food package, complete with fresh fruits, juice, croissant and ‘Tropic’ nuts

Source: Le Mauricien