(No. B/788) Mr R. Uteem (First Member for Port Louis South & Port Louis Central) asked the Minister of Education and Human Resources, Tertiary Education and Scientific Research whether, in regard to the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre, she will state if she is aware of allegations of abuse of power and of corruption thereat and, if so, indicate the actions, if any, taken in relation thereto by her Ministry.
Mrs Dookun-Luchoomun: Madam Speaker, my Ministry received an anonymous letter making representations against a few staff members of the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre regarding work related problems, but not on abuse of power or corruption as such. An internal audit was carried out and certain weaknesses were noted in the Administrative and Procurement Sections which were mainly as a result of a shortage of staff. Officers were often called upon to carry out multiple tasks for administrative convenience and smooth conduct of operations.
However, it was noted that there was no proper segregation of duties in the Administrative and Procurement Sections. Recommendations were made for the recruitment of additional staff to remedy the situation. Actions were taken accordingly. I am informed that 13 key posts have been filled after a recruitment exercise.
Furthermore, arrangement has been made for an Assistant Manager, Financial Operations from the Ministry of Education to provide support and guidance to the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre on HR matters. Guidelines on basic financial principles have also been forwarded to the Centre for proper financial procedures to be followed.
The problems identified, Madam Speaker, were mostly on Operational Management due to interpersonal conflicts and now that the recruitment of staff has already been effected, these issues, I am informed have already been addressed. The situation is going to be monitored.
Madam Speaker: Hon. Uteem!
Mr Uteem: Thank you, Madam Speaker. The hon. Minister just mentioned an internal report. So, would the hon. Minister be prepared to table a copy of that internal report?
Mrs Dookun-Luchoomun: I have no problem doing so, Madam Speaker.
Mr Uteem: The hon. Minister mentioned administrative issues. Is she aware that for almost 10 years, a Confidential Secretary has been doing the job of an Administrative Officer? So, for 10 years, they did not advertise and that Administrative Officer, contrary to the PRB Report, was given a full salary instead of a partial allowance as recommended by PRB Report.
Mrs Dookun-Luchoomun: Madam Speaker, I have been informed by the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre that officers were asked to do several tasks and very often, they had to do overtime due a shortage of staff and when this was noted through the internal audit, actions were taken for the filling of post and that person has been required to do the job for which she was appointed.
Madam Speaker: Yes, hon. Uteem!
Mr Uteem: Has the attention of the hon. Minister also been drawn to the fact that solar sunglasses which were supposed to be sold at Rs25 on the day of the eclipse were actually sold for Rs50 and the difference was never accounted for? So, all the school children who went to the Rajiv Gandhi Centre to watch the eclipse had to pay twice the amount which the Board had budgeted for and this is one of the complaints made to ICAC.
Mrs Dookun-Luchoomun: Madam Speaker, I was not aware of that particular point, but I am going to look into it.
Madam Speaker: Hon. Baloomooody!
Mr Baloomoody: Coming back to that Confidential Secretary, may we know from the hon. Minister her qualification?
Mrs Dookun-Luchoomun: I don’t think I have it with me, Madam Speaker.
Mr Uteem: A last question!
Madam Speaker: Next question, hon. Quirin.
