State establishment: cumulative losses of Rs 87.02 million for Polytechnics Mauritius

The financial situation of Polytechnics Mauritius Ltd (PML), a state establishment, as well as its consequences on the employment and working conditions of academic and administrative staff, is very worrying. It’s to the point where drastic measures are being taken to get this establishment back on track. It faces cumulative operational losses of Rs 87.02 million.

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Research, Kaviraj Sukon, indicates that “the financial review of Polytechnics Mauritius Ltd (PML) has revealed increasing operational and liquidity pressures in recent years”. This is primarily due to increased expenses, expanding campus infrastructure, increased personnel commitments, and reliance on enrollment revenue.

Despite variable performances, the overall trend shows a progressive weakening of the financial situation of the establishment. The minister underlines, in a written parliamentary response to a question from MP Babita Thannoo, that “the organization recorded operational surpluses in 2022 and 2024, but it recorded significant operational deficits in 2023 and 2025”.

For the year 2025, the figures indicate operational expenses of Rs 374.95 million against revenues of Rs 288.97 million, or an operational deficit of Rs 85.98 million. The ministry specifies that over the period 2022 to 2025, “cumulative operational expenses exceeded cumulative revenues by approximately Rs 87.02 million”.

Detailed financial data shows cumulative revenues of Rs 1,170.53 million for cumulative expenses of Rs 1,257.54 million over the same period. This situation reflects a structural imbalance between resources and expenses.

The cash flow situation is also highlighted in the ministerial response. As of July 1, 2025, PML recorded commercial debts of Rs 101.9 million owed to 214 suppliers and creditors. In addition there are significant fixed costs, including annual rental costs of around Rs 60 million for the Ebène and Rose-Belle campuses.

The ministry notes low use of infrastructure. A survey carried out in January 2026 showed an average space occupancy rate of only 24.4%, accentuating operational inefficiencies.

In this context, the State intervened twice to support the organization. It is specified that “the government intervened in support of PML on two occasions: the first in 2023, with an advance of Rs 60 million, and the second in June 2025, with an additional subsidy of Rs 65 million”. Without these injections totaling Rs 125 million, the establishment would be in a situation of insolvency.

In terms of human resources, a restructuring process leading to departures and non-renewal of contracts was initiated. Thus, the