Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, students discipline remains a matter of utmost priority for my Ministry and for this Government as it is directly linked to the creation of a safe, stable and conducive learning environment, which is essential for quality education and the holistic development of our learners. Having said that, let me add that today, it is becoming increasingly challenging for heads of schools and educators, both in primary and secondary schools, to manage discipline. I am informed that for the period January 2025 to 07 May 2026, the following cases of indiscipline were reported in primary and secondary schools – • 353 cases of bullying. 63 in primary schools and 290 in secondary schools. • 21 drugs related incidents. 7 in primary schools and 14 in secondary schools. • Moreover, 56 cases of online harassment were reported in secondary schools, while 88 cases of inappropriate behaviour were recorded in primary schools. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, discipline management in schools remains the responsibility of heads of school under the Education Act. However, this Government has adopted a structured, preventive approach to tackle indiscipline through close collaboration with the Mauritius Police Force, the family support services and other relevant stakeholders. Disciplinary committees operate at school level. CCTV surveillance systems have been installed in some schools. Moreover, targeted police patrols are being conducted in areas identified as high risk. In parallel, prevention and behavioural transformation are being reinforced through the evidence-based Get Connected programme for students at lower secondary level, particularly those in Grades 7, 8 and 9. The programme focuses on the development of core life skills such as self-awareness, emotional regulation and responsible decision-making with the aim of strengthening protective factors at an early stage and reducing vulnerability to risk behaviours including substance abuse. It is delivered by trained educators. This has been complemented by regular sensitisation sessions conducted by the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit and the Harm Reduction Unit, as well as class-based interventions on bullying, violence, emotional regulation and conflict resolution. It is planned to carry out another drug use prevention initiative namely, the REBOUND programme, designed for Grade 10 students. This programme will focus on resilience building, critical thinking and risk awareness. It will adopt interactive and media- based approaches to help students better understand the consequences of drug use and make informed choices. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, my Ministry has also reinforced psychosocial support mechanisms through student care and counselling desks in all State Secondary Schools, counselling units known as Service d'écoute and the deployment of educational psychologists and social workers. Furthermore, a whole school and community-based approach is being promoted through parental sensitisation programmes, multi-agency case conferences for complex situations and early intervention initiatives at primary level through the Body Safety and Well-being Programme. Many anti-bullying workshops have also been conducted and my Ministry is finalising a comprehensive anti-bullying policy together with practical guidelines for schools, parents and students. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, this Government remains committed to maintaining discipline in schools while adopting a balanced approach focused on prevention, support, rehabilitation and student well-being. Thank you.

Yes, hon. Ramkalawon!

Does the hon. Minister also consider the appointment of discipline masters in schools from the teaching staff who can help in maintaining discipline? Thank you.

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, discussions are ongoing with the Minister of Finance in the prelude for the budget presentation and such requests have been made. We have to wait for the budget in order to know whether it will be implemented or not. Thank you.

The hon. Third Member for Pamplemousses and Triolet! MONTAGNE BLANCHE – CREMATORIUM PROJECT