31 new recruits, including 31 women, join MRA staff. The graduation ceremony for the new recruits took place at the Integrated Customs Clearance Centre in Plaine Magnien yesterday morning in the presence of the Prime Minister.
In his speech, Pravind Jugnauth emphasised professionalism and integrity. Protecting society from any illicit trade must, he said, be the mission of customs officers.
He also commented on the efficiency and dedication of customs officers in intercepting drugs on Mauritian soil. Since 2015, he pointed out, they have seized around Rs 6 billion worth of drugs.
Revenue collection, remarked the Prime Minister, is vital to Government’s budget and helps to ensure that various support schemes can be implemented to alleviate the population, in addition to financing infrastructural development works across the country. On that score, he indicated that for the last financial year, the MRA has paid more than Rs 5 billion to beneficiaries of corporate social governance income allowance; negative income tax allowance; subsidies for bakeries; and compensation for bus operators, amongst others.
The Prime Minister, moreover, elaborated on the new Governmental measures implemented by the MRA, such as the Independence Allowance, the CSG Child Allowance and the Housing Loan Relief Scheme. Government, he underscored, has also reviewed its taxation policy by introducing the progressive tax system.
In addition, Prime Minister Jugnauth outlined that Government earmarked funds for an integrated single window project to facilitate trade and revamp the existing electronic data interchange system. A similar project for the port in the pipeline, he added.
For his part, Mr Lal congratulated the new recruits for their hard work and dedication during their one-year training programme. He categorised the job of Customs Officers as challenging and complex, and encouraged the new recruits to implement the skills and knowledge acquired during the training to fulfil their duties to the highest standards.
The Director-General urged the new recruits to stay abreast of new enforcement laws and technologies, be exemplary in their conduct, and always uphold the values of the MRA. He also dwelt on Government’s contribution to the MRA’s progress over the years.
