UOM Restructuring: Application Manraj Report

After meeting with the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mauritius about implementing the recommendations of the Manraj report on restructuring the institution has surprised more than one. From the outset, Dr. Harry Rughooputh stated that this meeting was not to revisit a report already adopted in total but to explain how its recommendations will be implemented. Those present were also pleased that the VC has taken as Chief Executive of the UoM, the commitment to enable steps in this direction.

"If I did not believe in this restructuring, I was the first person not to accept the r Manraj eport. I am among those who have adopted it in its entirety before the board, "said Professor Rughooputh at the meeting held at Lecture Theatre 2 on campus Réduit at Monday. This first meeting with the Vice-Chancellor after the publication of Dev Manraj has thus been very positive.

"There is a real willingness to move forward with the recommendations made by Dev Manraj," says one on campus. At Monday's meeting, which lasted an hour,

Pr Rughooputh expressed the staff UoM steps to be undertaken to implement the report Manraj. From the beginning, the VC made it clear that he did not intend to revisit this document and he wanted there to be change. He stated that the UOM go "full-steam ahead" with the restructuring.

Professor Rughooputh also made a presentation on the changes taking place. He dwelt on the fact that, according to his new responsibilities as CEO of the institution, "it is his duty to ensure that the implementation of the report is done as soon as possible." In response to a question from a technical staff for the duration of this exercise, the VC has reported holding a meeting on Monday to formally adopt the new constitution. These will then be sent to the Government Gazette. Once released, this key change will become official. The university will launch at the same time a call for applications for the new positions recommended in the report Manraj: Secretary to Council, Legal Affairs Director, Human Ressources Director, Chief of Facilities and two Pro VC. This could take several months.

The VC also said staff of UoM must be prepared to accept the changes to come. "For example, before it was the VC who had the prerogative to assign duties to both Pro VC ... The new statutes themselves make provision for schemes of service of Pro VC is one thing that I agree ... , "he said. And insist: "Those who do not want change have no place in the university and should go. '

With regard to additional funding and space to accommodate new staff, the VC argued that these problems are not new to the UoM and there is always a solution. After Monday's meeting, it is now clear to many employees that the application of Manraj report is on the right track.

Another step in the process of implementation of the recommendations Dev Manraj is the meeting of the Senate yesterday. It is important to emphasize that only bona fide members attend this meeting. This is an opportunity for them to express their views.