the Free Internet Scheme, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to the number of bene…
(No. B/265) Ms R. Collet (First Member for Rodrigues) asked the Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity whether, in regard to the Free Internet Scheme, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to the number of beneficiaries on the Social Register having benefitted from the provision of free installation and monthly fibre internet service thereunder, indicating the measures being taken, in collaboration with the Rodrigues Regional Assembly and other relevant institutions, to bridge the digital divide among vulnerable households.
Madam Speaker, this government is committed to the implementation of measures for the modernisation and digital transformation of the nation. To this end, Rs85 million has been earmarked for the next 3 years for the provision of free internet connection to around 7000 households, that is, around 27,000 persons on the Social Register of Mauritius (SRM) of the Republic Mauritius. The primary objective behind this most important budgetary measure of 2025-2026 is to bridge the digital divide and ensure that these vulnerable households are digitally connected. Madam Speaker, in my reply to a PQ on the subject, on 02 December 2025, I informed the House that an online platform was being developed to facilitate the implementation of this measure. I am pleased to inform that the National Empowerment Foundation (NEF) has, as from 04 February 2026, issued 6,140 Notices to its beneficiaries – 3,530 in Mauritius and 2,610 in Rodrigues, to invite them to avail of Internet Gratis from anyone of the three Internet Service Providers (ISPs) of their choice. My Ministry has similarly issued 471 notices to those households eligible under the SRM who have opted not to sign the social contract with NEF. Needful is being done to issue notices to around 500 newly eligible households. Madame Speaker, I am pleased to inform that, in two months, as at 06 April 2026, Internet Gratis connection has successfully been provided to around 5,191 households, representing 70% of the households under the SRM. As per reports, 2,415 households (90%) of households in Rodrigues under SRM have been connected as at 06 April 2026. In regards to Rodrigues, the Internet Gratis project was implemented by the NEF, National Empowerment Foundation Division of Rodrigues, falling under my Ministry. Madam Speaker, reference has been made in the media to a past Scheme known as “Free Broadband Internet”. I would like to remind Members that this Scheme was introduced in Financial Year 2019-2020 and abruptly put to an end in June 2022 by the previous government. An 2022, li paret ki laptop ti eklate, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the implementation of this budget measure is successfully enabling vulnerable families in the Republic of Mauritius, including our citizens in Rodrigues, to be digitally connected and avail of internet facilities. These households are henceforth benefiting from free internet connection for their self-development and empowerment while adopting a constructive approach towards learning and developing skills for employability in the digital economy. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Thank you. Yes.
On a technical point of view, may I know from the hon. Minister whether, the free internet is a one-point connection per house or is it per family registered under the SRM? Probably there are two or three families in one household or ….
The project is providing homebased internet connection to the household.
To the household.
Ms Collet, you are okay.
I am okay. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Alright, Mr Caserne. ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION REDUCTION – PUBLIC OFFICES/SPACES