Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Gaël Rangain
Published on 2024-03-27 11:30:42
The leader of the opposition, Xavier-Luc Duval, speaking during debates on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, advocated for the reintroduction of the CSR system as it existed before 2015.
“The CSR sector requires volunteers, passion, and people with a sense of mission. However, since 2015, the CSR system has been completely dismantled and replaced by a National CSR Foundation, which represents a form of nationalization of CSR, turning contributions from companies into a disguised form of tax. The opposition has committed in its electoral program to reintroducing the old CSR system,” said Xavier-Luc Duval.
The opposition leader noted that the country has around 84,400 differently abled people, accounting for 7% of the population. He lamented the timing of this legislation on the eve of the next general elections, considering that the government has been in power since 2015, for 9 years. “Even though this law is important, the government could not find the necessary time to present it despite being in power for the past nine years,” he expressed.
He welcomed the monetary benefits outlined in the bill. “For once, taxpayers’ money is being spent wisely, but it is not sufficient because it is important for these differently abled individuals to find employment so they can be respected by their peers. However, the government has failed in this regard and has not been able to provide Gainful Employment for this category of Mauritians. Respect and dignity go beyond financial aid,” he emphasized. He criticized the fact that the Training and Employment of Disabled Persons Board has not delivered on its role of creating employment opportunities for differently abled individuals.
Xavier-Luc Duval appreciated the decision to impose a 3% quota for differently abled individuals in companies with a workforce of 200 employees. He suggested that the government should lead by example by employing differently abled individuals in the public sector. However, he doubted the practical application of section 39 of the bill, questioning how the Public Service Commission, responsible for public sector recruitment, could be held accountable if it does not meet the minimum requirements set forth in the legislation.
He also addressed the inclusion of differently abled individuals in the education system in Mauritius, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between differently abled children and slow learners. He advocated for specialized education for differently abled children.
Regarding housing, he acknowledged the consideration given to disabled individuals in housing construction programs but stressed the need for ensuring that the interiors of these homes are also adapted for differently abled individuals. He also spoke out against those who fraudulently receive disability pensions.
Around thirty parliamentarians are expected to discuss this legislation, with debates adjourned until next Tuesday after interventions from Minister Kalpana Koonjoo-Shah, Parliamentary Private Secretary Francisco François, Arianne Navarre-Marie, and Reza Uteem.
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
