Civil Service Leader Sidelined as Minister Scraps New Remote Working Scheme

Civil service remote working and flexible hours have been cancelled with immediate effect after the Minister for Public Service, Raj Pentiah, revealed he was not consulted regarding the policy’s implementation.

The reversal voids a circular issued on 5 May by the Secretary for Public Service, Dr D. Kawol.

The directive had originally encouraged hybrid work and flexible scheduling across all ministries and government departments, including the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, for an initial three-month period starting Monday, 11 May 2026.

Lack of Oversight

Speaking to Défi Media Group this afternoon, Minister Pentiah distanced himself from the proposal, stating that the measures were moved forward without his input.

“I reassure all public service colleagues that if there is to be any change, it will be done in consultation with all parties concerned,” Mr Pentiah said.

Economic Context and Energy Savings

The scrapped measures were initially designed as a strategic response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

According to the original circular, the shift to remote work aimed to shield the Mauritian economy by reducing fuel and energy consumption within the public sector.

Future of the Secretariat

The incident has raised immediate questions regarding the professional standing of Dr D. Kawol.

While Mr Pentiah confirmed he has a duty to inform the Prime Minister of the situation, he noted that any decision regarding Dr Kawol’s tenure does not rest with his office.

“I am not a supporter of punitive measures, but of corrective actions,” the Minister added, suggesting that a solution might be found to rectify the procedural breakdown rather than resorting to immediate dismissal.

Source: Defi Media