New Subsidy Formula? Colleges Threaten to Shut Down in Protest

Managers of private non-paying colleges in the country are considering a symbolic closure of their institutions as a form of protest against the new subsidy formula introduced by the Private Secondary Education Authority (PSEA).

The director of the PSEA, Shiv Luchoomun, claimed that the organization has nothing to answer for.

The “New Comprehensive Grant Formula” has recently been announced by the PSEA, sparking fierce opposition from college managers and parents.

A meeting was held last Saturday at the St. Joseph College in Curepipe to expose the situation to parents. They were not hesitant to express their discontent towards the PSEA.

“A symbolic closure of our institutions, which could take place at the beginning of the third term, aiming to draw attention to the financial difficulties caused by this new subsidy formula,” a reliable source explained.

Why a symbolic closure? The Defi Media source emphasized that this is not the first time that private non-paying college managers have threatened to close their institutions. This possibility had already been raised in 2022.

“The option of closure keeps coming up because the PSEA does not provide any indication of reviewing the subsidy mechanism.

Cuts continue and administrative procedures hinder us from functioning properly. We will have no choice but to take protest actions.

A symbolic closure is an option that our colleges are currently considering,” said a college manager who wished to remain anonymous.

For those who may not be aware, the reform initiated by the PSEA aimed to modernize the education system.

However, decisions taken have sparked discontent among private non-paying college managers.

Discontent intensified after a series of measures deemed “excessive and unjust” by institution directors were implemented.

These measures included the introduction of the New Comprehensive Grant Formula and the recruitment of teachers with a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

The president of the Association of Private Non-Paying College Managers, Ramdass Ellayah, confirmed that the possibility of closure is being considered.

He recalled that the Rodrigues College is also on the verge of closing its doors due to new rules set by the PSEA.

“We will definitely follow in the footsteps of Rodrigues College. The situation is unbearable,” he said.

The Diocesan Education Service (SeDEC) condemned statements made by PSEA Director Shiv Luchoomun and Menon Munien during a recent radio show.

“The PSEA director remains stuck on ‘grants’ while we have been explaining since 2021 that this mechanism does not facilitate school management at all. He has a very narrow view of ‘good governance’,” said a SeDEC representative.

When approached for a statement, PSEA Director Shiv Luchoomun denied being aware of any planned closures.

“I am not aware of this initiative,” he said. Luchoomun then emphasized that “the PSEA has nothing to answer for” and that the organization “applies the formula as approved to promote education and student well-being as well as good management of public funds”.

Source: Defi Media