PM's Response: Salary of Rs 400,000 for Sachin Mohabeer at the EDB

Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam clarified the contractual situation and salary of Sachin Mohabeer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Board (EDB), in Parliament on Tuesday, responding to a question from Labour MP Raviraj Beechook.

According to the Prime Minister, Mohabeer was appointed on April 11, 2023, for a three-year term under specific recruitment conditions. Ramgoolam stated in the House: "Sachin Mohabeer was appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer on April 11, 2023, for a three-year contract. This position was not advertised internally or externally; he was directly selected by the previous board of directors."

He then detailed the financial terms and benefits associated with this high-level position at the EDB: "The conditions of his appointment included a monthly base salary of 400,000 rupees, with an annual increase of 3.2%; a bonus of 20% of the annual base salary, payable at the end of each year; benefits equivalent to 5% of the annual base salary; and a car with a driver."

These details confirm that the initial contract provided for a high remuneration. It also included several benefits, such as an annual bonus, travel allowances, and a company vehicle with a driver.

Navin Ramgoolam also provided updates on the recent situation regarding the EDB contract. Unlike a standard renewal, this contract has been extended for a limited duration. He informed the House that "the EDB board did not renew the contract but extended it for an additional year under the same conditions," a decision made during its meeting on March 16, 2026.

According to the explanations provided in Parliament, this extension did not lead to any changes in the existing salary conditions or benefits, allowing the executive to retain his entire compensation package.

Finally, the Prime Minister justified this decision by highlighting considerations of administrative continuity within the institution. He explained that the board took into account an upcoming change in the EDB's executive leadership: "The decision to extend his contract was made by the EDB board because it felt that since the EDB's CEO (Mahen Kundasamy) would leave his position at the end of May 2026 to take another job abroad, it would be preferable to extend his contract by one year to ensure continuity within this important economic institution," he stated.