At the official opening of the 13th Parliament on Monday, November 3, 2025, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Ganesh Mahipaul, who holds parliamentary responsibility for Local Government and Regional Development—a portfolio he also managed in the 12th Parliament—submitted a detailed Question on Notice to Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand.
His questions sought information on two major government initiatives aimed at economic development and employment creation.
Under the first segment of his inquiry, Mahipaul focused on the “Community Driven Entrepreneurial Interventions” project, which was allocated a total of $5 billion under Agency 13, Project Code 1904300 for the year 2025. In his submission, he requested Minister Manickchand to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the disbursement of funds by administrative region as of October 31, 2025, along with details of the specific projects funded in each region.
Mahipaul further asked the Government to clarify the number of job opportunities created, including regional and gender-specific data, as well as information on persons trained under the project. He also sought insight into how these trainings have contributed to employment or entrepreneurial development. Additionally, he inquired about the measurable outcomes in advancing social and cultural cohesion, and the monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in place to ensure accountability and the sustainability of benefits derived from Project Code 1904300.
The second portion of Mahipaul’s question addressed the National Pathway Workers Project, seeking a full update on employment figures as of October 30, 2025, with a detailed regional breakdown. He requested information on the specific locations, ministries, agencies, or institutions where the workers are stationed, and the total amount expended on wages, allowances, and other related costs.
The APNU Opposition parliamentarian also asked Minister Manickchand to provide details on the formal management and oversight structures, monitoring mechanisms, and policies to ensure accountability, efficiency, and adherence to work ethics and codes of conduct.
Finally, he queried what steps have been taken to transition workers into permanent or long-term employment, and the criteria or plans guiding such transitions.
MP Mahipaul’s submission puts the Government on notice, pressing for clear accountability, concrete results, and tangible impact from programs that claim to boost regional economies and create jobs. By demanding detailed disbursement figures, project outcomes, and oversight mechanisms, the Opposition is signalling that it will closely scrutinise the management and effectiveness of public funds under these high-profile initiatives.
Minister Priya Manickchand is expected to provide a written reply in response to the Question on Notice in the coming weeks.
