the recurrent delays in the payment of allowances, including night shift allowance, overtime and extra duty…
(No. B/267) Mr J. F. François (Second Member for Rodrigues) asked the Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reforms whether, in regard to the recurrent delays in the payment of allowances, including night shift allowance, overtime and extra duty allowances payable to public officers in accordance with the recommendations of the Pay Research Bureau Report and the provisions of the Human Resource Manual, he will state whether consideration is being given for appropriate measures to be introduced to ensure the timely settlement of all overdue and accrued amounts payable.
Madam Speaker, with your permission, I will reply to PQ B/267 since I am replacing the substantive Minister. I wish to inform the House that in accordance with existing procedures, officers who are qualified for payment of the nightshift, extra duty or overtime allowances, have to submit their claims duly certified by their head of sections at the beginning of every month with respect to claims for the preceding months before payment may be effected. As at date, there are no delays in the payment of nightshift or extra duty allowances in respect of which claims have already been submitted. However, I am informed that there has been delays in the payment of overtime allowances in some Ministries, Department such as the Minister of Health and Wellness and the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service in view of late submissions of claims by eligible officers as well as budgetary provisions for overtime for the Financial Year 2025/2026 having been exhausted. I am informed that additional fundings have been requested from the Minister of Finance. Madam Speaker, it has been observed that over the years, overtime costs have been increasing drastically despite the provision of additional human resources. In this context, the Ministry is presently working on new measures in consultation with the Ministries and Departments concerned in the issue of excessive overtime and allowances for control purposes. These new measures aim to bringing efficiency gains from diligent use of human and financial resources. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker, may I put just one supplementary? I know the hon. Minister is not the substantive Minister. Is the hon. Minister aware of the grievance of some public officers in Rodrigues since their last payment of allowances/overtime were effected since October last year and today, 5 months after, there is a lot of colère parmi les fonctionnaires? How can these grievances be remedied?
Madam Speaker!
Yes!
Madam Speaker, I can only take the request.
Yes. I am all ears.
I can only take the request and send it to the substantive Minister.
Pou apez koler ban fonksioner !
Thank you. Okay. Now, is that okay? No more questions? Now, hon. Jugurnauth! BEL OMBRE, ST MARTIN, AVENUE PELICANS – STATE LAND RESIDENTS – REGULARISATION