PSEA Director Resigns Following Education Minister’s Call

In a significant development within the educational sector, Shiv Luchoomun, the director of the Private Secondary Education Authority (PSEA), has tendered his resignation. His departure comes just a day after Mahend Gungapersad, the new Minister of Education, made a pointed request for him to leave, emphasizing the need for change in the administration.

Shiv Luchoomun, who is also the husband of former Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Education Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, began packing his belongings On Tuesday, November 26.

Observers noted a large number of boxes being transferred from the PSEA to a four-wheel drive vehicle.

The contents of these boxes remained unknown, as only a select group of individuals from Luchoomun’s inner circle assisted in the packing.

Notably, even a close employee, currently on leave, made a special trip to help with this process.

The situation escalated following Gungapersad’s remarks, which prompted speculation and concern regarding Luchoomun’s tenure at the PSEA.

The Minister’s statement, “If he has any self-esteem, he should pack up and leave,” was not merely rooted in Luchoomun’s connection to Dookun-Luchoomun but was framed as a response to broader grievances.

During a meeting with the Federation of Managers (FOM) of private colleges, Gungapersad highlighted that many have accused Luchoomun of stifling their operations and creating a toxic environment for years.

Shiv Luchoomun first assumed the role of PSEA director during the MSM-MMM government from 2000 to 2005.

His appointment came after a controversial episode at the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate (MES), where he initially secured a leadership position only to have it challenged in court.

That legal dispute ultimately led to the termination of the previous PSEA director, Gopalakrishna Ramasawmy, thereby clearing the path for Luchoomun’s appointment.

As Luchoomun’s departure marks the end of an era for the PSEA, the education sector has been breathing an air of discontent for many years.

The incoming administration is committed to ushering in a new chapter aimed at repairing relationships with stakeholders and fostering a more conducive environment for private secondary education.

Source: Le Mauricien