Ashok Subron, Minister of Social Security: “The Parasites Surrounding the State Remain”

Since the decisive triumph of the Alliance for Change in November 2024, Ashok Subron, the Minister of Social Security, Integration, and National Solidarity, has retained his spirited activist flair. He warned that opportunists still lurk, ready to seize public resources at the expense of the people. Subron called for a thorough cleansing of the system—not through witch hunts, but with unwavering resolve.

Once known for his casual attire and motorcycle, Subron’s style has now shifted significantly.

“I did indeed ride a motorcycle for over twenty years and drove a refurbished car for more than a dozen,” he reflected.

“Even as a minister, I travel by a Hyundai for my official duties, courtesy of the state.

While two Audis were previously assigned to my predecessors, my official vehicle is now a Volvo, better suited for field missions.

As the minister responsible for refuge centres, it’s vital to have a functional vehicle during floods or cyclones—it’s practical.”

What does it feel like to be a minister?
“What does it mean for me? An official car is merely a tool for work. I’ve even returned the original registration plate, RM, which is no longer personalised. It’s not a privilege; it’s a means to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to me by my party and the Prime Minister.

If tomorrow the state offered me a second-hand car, I would have no objections.”

Compared to the humble headquarters of Rezistans ek Alternativ (ReA) in Moka, your ministerial office on the 13th floor of the NPF Building is a stark contrast.

“The ReA office in Moka is essentially a home I inherited from my mother, who worked on the 13th floor of the NPF Building.

My office is spacious and functional, adorned for the role I now play. It’s merely an official office.

If tomorrow the state assigns me a different one, I would have no issue, just as I have with the car.”

Is it difficult to swap your union representative attire for more formal wear?
“It’s a reality, and I underwent a lengthy transition. I used to select my clothing in the moment; now I plan my outfits the night before.

You’ve noted my preference for simple attire. Now, with protocol, I wear a tie and a suit—elements I previously never owned.

I must admit, I even bought a blazer the night before introducing candidates; when I looked in the mirror, I hardly recognised myself!

However, in respecting Western codes, I’ve chosen outfits from India, China, and Africa, which I find comfortable for official engagements.

I’ve received much praise from the Prime Minister, fellow ministers, and the public. After all, isn’t it said that ‘the habit doesn’t make the monk’?”

But nothing gives me greater joy than slipping back into my jeans, T-shirt, and trainers on my days off!

Regardless of the car I drive or the clothes I wear, what matters to me is staying true to the beliefs of ‘Papillon’ that I advocate.

One of the priorities of our mandate is the re-establishment of the National Pension Scheme 2.0, which was dismantled by the former government.
What key issues have you prioritised since taking office?
“I manage two ministries: Social Security and Integration. This is the largest ministry in terms of citizens affected, budget, and assets managed.”

What are your main areas of focus?
The Ministry of Social Security oversees retirement pensions, assistance for vulnerable individuals, those with disabilities, widows, and various social aids. It also manages the National Solidarity Fund, pensions under the NPF, retirement benefits through the Portable Retirement Gratuity Fund, as well as the Transition Unemployment Benefit and the Workfare Programme.

As for the Ministry of Integration, it chiefly manages the National Empowerment Foundation (NEF), supporting Mauritians in precarious situations, alongside the National Social Inclusion Foundation (NSIF) that funds social projects and NGOs.

What was your priority upon entering the ministry with your Junior Minister Kugan Parapen?
“Upon assuming office, our immediate mission was to ensure the 14th-month payment was issued to pensioners and benefit recipients in one go.

It was essential this payment reached them without delay. We then conducted an assessment that revealed a catastrophic situation: numerous services are in crisis.”

What crisis are you referring to?
“Did you know that over 5,000 retired workers still haven’t received their Retirement Benefits? Some have waited more than two years… and others have tragically passed away without ever receiving them.

Furthermore, for about 150,000 workers, employers failed to convey essential information to the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) or enter it into the organisation’s digital system.

The consequence? These private-sector employees risk severe complications when they retire, which causes tremendous harm to their welfare.”

You touch upon a sensitive issue…
“I take the matter of Disability Benefits seriously. From the moment I entered office, numerous public grievances emerged. I needed statistical and scientific data to comprehend this dissatisfaction.

Currently, 50% of cases examined by the Medical Board are rejected. Moreover, disability allowances are granted for just a year, and only 4% of patients qualify for a permanent pension.

Did you know the Medical Board dedicates a mere 15 minutes per patient? Over 5,000 cases are rejected, while others are deferred for a year or two.”

What is failing within the system?
“The system is evidently overwhelmed and outmoded. My Junior Minister and I are urgently working to reform this critical area.”

What steps follow?
“There is an immediate need for action. Firstly, no adequate recruitment has taken place over the past decade.

Additionally, the staff have not received sufficient training, leading to catastrophic case management.

During our visit to the social security office in Rose-Hill, we discovered tens of thousands of cases had never been digitised.

Thus, I have initiated recruitment and restarted the digitisation process that the previous government had halted.”

And what about social integration?
“We’ve introduced a new recruitment process for the Director of the NEF: an Expression of Interest exercise that garnered 269 applications.

We also convened a National Forum comprising collective movements and NGOs to redefine the role of NSIF and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) in a shifting landscape.

One of our priorities is the restoration of the National Pension Scheme 2.0, dismantled by the former government.”

There are several requests from the elderly regarding payments of the Basic Retirement Pension. If the 1st falls on a Saturday and the 2nd on a Sunday, they want payments made on the 30th or 31st of the previous month due to standing orders with banks. Can you address this request?
“Indeed, such requests have been expressed. We need to reorganise our software and make arrangements with the banks. I’ve already issued instructions in this regard.”

Those who have harmed the public interest must be held accountable. “The correction of injustice does not get swept away with the tide of time!”

The government seems very receptive to ReA’s agenda and is beginning to implement it. How do you explain this, given your party only has three elected officials?

“In the agreement between the PTR/MMM/ND and ReA, several points have been implemented that form our backbone—issues to which we remain committed.

Although we have only three elected officials—a Junior Minister, a minister, and an MP who played a significant role in dethroning Pravind Jugnauth—the substantial and qualitative contribution of ‘Papillon’ to the change and the 60-0 victory of the Alliance for Change is recognised by all.

Furthermore, ReA is an eco-socialist party built on a political alternative rooted in our struggle over the last twenty years.

Our battles for Mauritian identity, the working class, ecology, and participatory democracy are not transitory; they reflect a deeply embedded philosophical coherence—not merely a strategy for general elections.”

Would you say ReA introduces a breath of fresh air and ideas into the government?
“Absolutely, while respecting the historical contributions of our allies. Our partners have previously experienced either the exercise of power or official opposition.

However, for a significant segment of the electorate, particularly the youth, ReA embodies the vision for change and the break for which the people voted in November 2024.”

Is that the missing piece, as some would suggest?
“Take the example of inter-ministerial committees, whether on Local Government, Energy, or Labour concerning migrants.

ReA has proposed numerous initiatives adopted by the entire government.

Additionally, we must acknowledge the quality of our two other legislators in the National Assembly, Dr Babita Thannoo and Kugan Parapen.”

The Confederation of Workers in the Public and Private Sectors (CTSP) is quite upset with you as a former unionist regarding layoffs, failure to meet the minimum wage, and the increase that occurred in late January 2025. How do you respond to these accusations?
“Unlike during the previous government, unions now have the right to criticise ministers without their voices being stifled in the corridors of power.

I believe that all change must occur amid tension and contestation.

Regarding the layoffs, I understand your reference. In the case of Harel Mallac, a reasonable compensation offer was made by the Redundancy Board.

However, in the matter of Star Knitwear, the owners abused public money, coercing the MIC for an additional Rs 900 million after already receiving millions.

The company was placed into insolvency, and I ensured that all employee rights were safeguarded.”

What about the failure to comply with the minimum wage?
“The minimum wage is currently set at Rs 16,500, rising to Rs 17,110. As for the adjustment of the guaranteed minimum income requested by the CTSP, that’s another conversation.

We must be honest: the first legislation passed by our government aimed at ensuring a Rs 2,925 adjustment for all private sector workers, benefiting nearly 350,000 employees.

Thanks to the Alliance for Change and ReA, workers can now sleep easy.”

Now that the government has been in power for over 100 days, what is your first assessment?
“Let’s discuss that. It’s essential to highlight the numerous measures taken in favour of workers within a relatively short period.

Moreover, we abolished the biometric card linked to SIM cards, restored the powers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), officially recognised Anna of Bengal, and ended abusive phone tapping and monitoring of citizens.

Not to mention, we are managing the water and electricity crises bequeathed by the MSM.”

A positive assessment, then?
“It is a positive assessment, but much work still lies ahead. I agree that there’s a significant amount still to do.

We need the active support of the population. I must tell the people that the major capitalists, the opportunists, the speculators, and other parasites who entwine themselves around the state remain active.

These parasites will do everything in their power to block and distort the change the people chose in November 2024.

It is crucial for the entire population to defend their victory.

Private and financial interests cannot outweigh the public good, social justice, transparency, and ecological balance.”

Recently, the government has unveiled scandals, breaches, and toxic loans. Is this a vendetta?
“Not at all. Those who have harmed the public interest must be held accountable.

‘The correction of injustice does not get swept away with the tide of time!'”

Let’s discuss the Chagos matter. Would it be wise to cede Diego Garcia to the United States for 100 years as rent? Does this not imply a permanent relinquishment of Diego Garcia, especially with Donald Trump at the helm?
“ReA has always considered three outcomes regarding Chagos: Mauritian sovereignty over the archipelago; the right of return for Chagossians; and the closure of the military base at Diego Garcia.

Yet, the former government chose an alternative negotiation strategy, excluding allies such as the African Union while ignoring peace issues in the Indian Ocean.

Now, the new government has guaranteed our sovereignty over Chagos, albeit with the military base at Diego Garcia.

We recognise there is a rising right-wing sentiment in the US against this agreement.”

Is ReA not feeling compromised?
“ReA has communicated its position and made proposals to the Cabinet regarding Chagos.

Our main concern is the risk of Mauritius becoming co-belligerent in a conflict involving the United States and the Diego Garcia base.”

And further?
“In parallel, ReA advocates for constitutional reform ensuring that Section 1 explicitly states:

‘Mauritius shall be a sovereign democratic state, promoting peace, justice, and liberty,’ echoing the words of our national anthem.

We respect other left-leaning forces and must continue to campaign until we can achieve the ideal expressed in John Lennon’s ‘Imagine.'”

In countries like France, Sweden, and Norway, governments are imposing a limit on profit margins for essential goods to 5% at month’s end. Shouldn’t Mauritius consider such a measure to ease the burden on consumers?
“We must absolutely curtail excessive profits in trade. Just last week, the government reassessed the profit margins on two essential goods—frozen and canned vegetables—resulting in a price reduction of between 20% and 30%.”

Having been a unionist and a skilled negotiator for the working class, do you miss that role?
“My fight for workers, unionism, and environmental advocacy were my true education.

My roots shape who I am today; they guide my actions within government. I champion the same causes, yet in a new arena.

Naturally, I miss my comrades, but the cause will remain engraved within me until my last breath.”

If key demands, such as electoral reform, political party funding, the right to recall elected officials, and the Freedom of Information Act, are not met, will ReA withdraw or endure in silence?
“That question is premature. The backbone of the Alliance for Change hinges on the presidential address.

ReA harbours no doubt regarding this agreement. Our relationships are strong and built on reciprocity.”

Source: Defi Media