Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, youth development remains a key national priority for government and my Ministry continues to implement programmes aimed at promoting youth empowerment, leadership, social responsibility and national cohesion. My Ministry is proposing to establish a National Cadet Corps in Mauritius inspired by the successful model of the National Cadet Corps of India, which has been operational since 1948 and has proven effective in promoting discipline, leadership, civic responsibility and patriotism. Several Commonwealth countries have adapted the NCC concept to suit their national realities and have achieved positive outcomes in youth engagement and leadership development. The proposed establishment of a National Cadet Corps in Mauritius is very important as it intends to provide a structured platform for inculcating discipline, leadership, citizenship, patriotism and civic responsibility among youth. This programme would aim at promoting characters building, social responsibility, teamwork and community service while helping young people develop resilience, self-confidence and respect for national institution. It will also contribute towards strengthening social cohesion and encouraging youth participation in nation building activities. In this context, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, my Ministry started consultation in 2025 with the Indian Ministry of Defence through the High Commissioner of India in Mauritius. The Indian authorities recommended that a study visited be undertaken by high level officers to the NCC India in order to obtain first-hand exposure to the structured administration training programme and operational framework of the Indian NCC prior to any decision of implementation in Mauritius. Following Government approval in November 2025 and the availability of the Indian authorities, a high-level delegation proceeded to the NCC India from 19 to 25 April 2026. The delegation comprised the acting Permanent Secretary of my Ministry, who headed the delegation, a Deputy Commissioner of Police and the Advisor in Social and Political Matters of my Ministry. The high-level delegation, through this visit, was tasked to gain an understanding of the structure and management of the Indian NCC model – (a) obtain information, discuss on curriculum design, training modules and cadet progression systems; (b) Identified areas where technical and material assistance may be required; (c) Assess the budgetary implication for implementation in Mauritius; (d) Identify potential implementation risks and challenges; (e) Propose an appropriate structure for the NCC adapted to the Mauritian context, and (f) Identify element for the drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding between Mauritius and India for collaboration in the implementation of the proposed NCC in Mauritius. Exchanges in India took place with the top hierarchical officers of the NCC and were very productive. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as regard for part (b) of the question, the cost of the air ticket and the relevant allowances of officers of my Ministry were met under the approved budgetary provision of the Ministry, while the airfares along with the relevant allowances for the Police Officers, or the officers from the Mauritius Police Force, were borne by the Police Department. Accommodation and inland transportation cost for the high-level delegation were met by the Indian authorities. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, and as far as part (c) of the question is concerned, I am informed that the mission report including key findings and recommendations is at drafting stage. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian authorities for technical cooperation and guidance is also being proposed. Discussions are currently being pursued with the Indian side, prior to finalise the MoU. I am further informed that the Indian authorities have expressed their willingness to extend technical and material support in areas such as provision of technical expertise for curriculum design, training and implementation, capacity building and consultancy support, assistance with uniforms and basic equipment and facilitation of exchange programme and cadet visit. This area of cooperation would ultimately be considered within the framework of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries. Further, consultations will also be undertaken with all relevant stakeholders in Mauritius and also with the Indian authorities before final recommendations are submitted to Government. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to inform the House that in order to guide preliminary works on the project, my Ministry will proceed with the setting up a Steering Committee at its level comprising representatives from the Mauritius Police Force, the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre, the National Youth Council and other Ministries/Departments as may be required. Same has already been approved by Government in November 2025, a meeting of this Steering Committee will soon be held. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the proposed establishment of a National Cadet Corps in Mauritius is an important and sensitive initiative which requires careful consultation, proper planning and broad institutional coordination. My Ministry is, therefore, proceeding in a responsible and consultative manner to ensure that any proposed framework is adapted to the Mauritian context and serve the best interest of our youth and the country as a whole. The more so, when our youth are facing so many challenges, any MoU to be signed needs full consideration and consultation, and should follow the necessary procedures.

Yes, hon. Quirin!

M. le président, tout en constatant le côté positif de ce programme, s'il est bien implémenté, je voudrais cependant demander à l'honorable ministre pourquoi il a préféré déléguer son Advisor, de surcroît un agent politique, au lieu d'un technicien de la section jeunesse de son ministère. Doit-on déduire que c'est son Advisor qui, par la suite, va implémenter le programme à la place des techniciens de la section jeunesse de son ministère ?

The hon. Member should be aware that all policy decisions are taken by my Ministry. And to form part of a delegation – we know who are the competent people who can advise us when they come back to Mauritius. So, we have no lesson to take from anybody else. We have the Permanent Secretary who led the delegation. Mr Darma Mootien is an advisor in social and political matters. He is called upon to assist and advise me on the impact of these projects and Mr Darma Mootien has a track record. If the hon. Member would look it up, you will find that he has a track record. He has even worked for the ex- Prime Minister who is sitting here in this august Assembly. He has been an adviser for that Minister. So, before you put a question, you should know beforehand the people who can contribute for the country. He might be an adviser, but the knowledge he has, the knowledge he is going to share among us, this is the priority of all. Everything that you ask nowadays, all questions that you ask about somebody, an adviser, everybody does politics in this country. So, am I going to be ashamed to send someone who is politically...

Okay, hon. Minister, I think that you have answered the question.

So, next time...

You have answered the question.

... I would ask you, please, do your homework before you come to the House.

M. le président, je n'ai aucune leçon à recevoir de l'honorable ministre.

Put your question! Put your question!

Et j'aimerais qu'il nous dise…

Your last question!

J'aimerais qu'il nous dise, il a parlé de personne compétente. Est-ce qu'il veut dire qu'au niveau des techniciens de la section jeunesse de son ministère, il n'y a pas de personne compétente, capable d'être déléguée et par la suite, venir implémenter le programme ? Je le dis, je le répète, il est positif. Je n'ai absolument rien contre le programme, mais comment se fait-il qu'on oublie qu'on a des techniciens qui, par la suite, vont venir implémenter le programme ?

Probably one day when you become Minister of Youth and Sports, you can choose whoever you want but as of now, whatever decisions we have taken, we have taken the right choice. The implementation is going on and then we are going to seek funding.

The hon. Second Member for Grand’ Baie and Poudre d’Or! CENTRAL ELECTRICITY BOARD – OVERDRAFT BALANCE – LOAN FACILITIES CONTRACTED