PM's Response: Rs 400,000 Salary for Sachin Mohabeer at the EDB
Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam clarified in Parliament on Tuesday the contractual situation and salary of Sachin Mohabeer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Board (EDB), in response 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 special 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 neither advertised internally nor externally; he was directly chosen by the former board of directors."
He then detailed the financial conditions and benefits associated with this senior position within the EDB: "The terms of his appointment were as follows: a monthly base salary of Rs 400,000, with an annual increase of 3.2%; a bonus of 20% of the annual base salary, payable at the end of each year; travel benefits equivalent to 5% of the annual base salary; and a car with a driver."
These elements confirm that the initial contract provided for a high remuneration. It also included several benefits, including an annual bonus, travel facilities, and a company vehicle with a driver.
Navin Ramgoolam also provided clarifications regarding the recent status of the EDB contract. Unlike a conventional renewal, it 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 salary conditions or existing benefits, meaning the executive retains his complete remuneration package.
Finally, the Prime Minister justified this decision by considerations of administrative continuity within the institution. He explained that the board had taken into account an upcoming change in the general management of the EDB. "The decision to extend his contract was made by the EDB board because it deemed that since the EDB's General Director (Mahen Kundasamy) will 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.
