Madam Speaker, the Contribution Sociale Généralisée (CSG) was introduced in September 2020 and the contributions to the National Pensions Fund were accordingly abolished. The CSG was introduced by way of regulations and subsequently, the Social Contribution and Social Benefits Act was enacted in 2021 to provide for the levy of CSG and payment of the benefits. The rates of CSG contribution in respect of an employee earning up to Rs50,000 in a month are 1.5% and 3% of basic salary for the employee and his employer, respectively. As regards an employee earning above Rs50,000 a month, the rates of contribution are 3% and 6%.

24 I am informed by the Mauritius Revenue Authority that since September 2020 to the end of April 2025, a total amount of Rs44.6 billion has been collected as CSG contributions and remitted to the Consolidated Fund. The yearly breakdown is as follows – (a) Rs5.25 billion in financial year 2020/2021; (b) Rs8.35 billion in financial year 2021/2022; (c) Rs9.51 billion in financial year 2022/2023; (d) Rs10.9 billion in financial year 2023/2024, and (e) Rs10.6 billion in the current financial year, as at April 2025. With regard to part (a) of the question, a number of benefits are being paid for various schemes and measures under the Social Contribution and Social Benefits Act. For the period 2021 to end of April 2025, a total amount of Rs34 billion has been spent under these schemes and measures. In addition, a total amount of Rs10.7 billion has been paid for allowance to public sector employees as well as meeting government contributions to the CSG. Madam Speaker, as far as part (b) of the question is concerned, from a budgeting point of view, there is no remaining balance as at end April 2025. Let me remind the House of the reply to PQ B/1248 on 24 October 2023, the previous Minister of Finance said, and I quote – « Il ne reste donc rien par rapport aux contributions de la CSG. » At that very time itself, they had already depleted all the funds from the CSG. Madam Speaker, I am tabling a breakdown of funds collected and spent as at the end of April 2025. It must be noted that the previous government had engaged in the provision of a series of allowances from funds coming from the CSG, especially during the months preceding the last elections in a clear attempt to lure the voters. This is yet another example of how the CSG funds had been dilapidated by the previous regime in their desperation to try to win the elections. An hon. Member: Voler!

25

Yes, Mr Beechook!

Madam Speaker, we all know that the CSG system is what has destroyed the French social security system. Given the fact that Mauritius has an ageing population, has there been any study to understand till which date the current system is a sustainable one?

Even before a study is carried out, we know it is going to be disastrous because, as you say, we have an ageing population. We are looking at all this in the context of the budget.

Hon. Lobine, is that okay? The Fourth Member for Port Louis North and Montagne Longue, hon. A. Duval! SAFE CITY CAMERAS – DATA PROTECTION ACT PURVIEW