The RPB Report was supposed to create a feel- good environment in time for the municipal elections which, by law, should be held this year. The result is far from what was anticipated and a bonfire was even made of the Report. An effigy of the author of the Report, however, was not burnt but there are strident calls for his getting the boot. The outcry against the Report is understandable inasmuch as those at the top of the scales have been granted disguised increases in salaries. There is a creaming off at the top at the expense of the lower grades.

The PRB report is devoid of any research. If in fact a research had been carried out, many of the allowances like housing, etc would have had to be scrapped. When historically a housing allowance was given, it was to those who had come to serve in the colony. It makes no sense that those who live in their own houses should be paid a housing allowance. This is simply putting the infamous NRPT on its head.

There are also those who, simply by virtue of their office, are made to sit on countless boards and committees in the hope that they would bring the public interest to bear on all decisions. One only has to look at the Government appointees on the boards of Air Mauritius, MT or the State Bank of Mauritius to realize that the protection of the public interest is ignored. Hedging, non- accountability and non- disclosure of procurement are all examples of such dereliction of duty.

But the very fact of such appointment brings rewards in terms of perks and benefi ts which must be accounted for by the MRA. There are people in the public service who must get over Rs 200 K as take- home pay from their membership of boards etc. It is normal for the ordinary public offi cer who is aware of such extravagance to howl his/ her frustration, especially since those appointees are already paid a huge salary to devote their whole time to the business of Government. But Government business should not provide an opportunity for some to make a business out of it.

Some research must be carried out by persons endowed with a high degree of intellectual baggage and a commitment to ensuring that the public service is there to serve the nation at large and not to heap additional benefits on those who have been waiting for the Report to make plans for their retirement on a golden parachute.

When all this is happening, including the alleged row between the brilliant Governor of the Central Bank and the intelligent Minister of Finance, a weekly newspaper had a banner headline about how these live issues will be on the Prime Minister’s desk on his return. But what if all this fuss has been deliberate, orchestrated and minutely planned to give a forum to the Prime Minister to emerge as the person who has the solutions to all these issues.

But whatever may be the scenario, the fact remains that the PRB Report will have to be revisited. There must be a decision that whatever has been granted will only be an interim recommendation. Another exercise must be conducted to remove from the Report all archaic allowances which make no sense on this tiny speck of country where anyone can attend work from his residence within one hour’s travel.