world and will enable the island to begin its digital transformation and move to a new stage in its economic development. This will contribute towards faster economic development of the island. 331. In terms of infrastructure, Mauritius is already connected to SAFE (South Africa Far East) and LION-1 and LION-2 (Lower Indian Ocean Networks) networks. All households are now connected to the Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) network. In addition, 350 WIFI hotspots are available across the island of Mauritius. 332. Since September 2018, inhabitants of Agalega island (about 1000 km to the north of Mauritius) have been connected to the internet by way of 10 Mbps satellite bandwidth. In addition, an IT Corner has been put in place at Le Chartier Government School to provide computers and free internet access. Moreover, the construction of a new airport and a new jetty is under way will substantially improve air and sea connectivity. Works are progressing smoothly and are expected to be completed by February 2021. 333. Following the annual call for proposal by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency KiboCUBE Programme 2018, the Mauritius Research Council submitted, in April 2018, a proposal for the first Mauritian Satellite Project known as MIR-SAT1. The proposal was retained and Mauritius has been offered the opportunity for the first time in its history, to build and deploy a Mauritian Nano Satellite from the International Space Station Japanese Experiment Module. The Satellite would have a lifetime of about one and a half years and would capture data such as the satellite health data, payload data i.e., pictures of Mauritius and surrounding regions and experimenting island to island communication. Cabinet has taken note of the implementation of the by the Mauritius Research Council (MRC). WORK AND EMPLOYMENT 334. The national minimum wage of Rs. 8,140 is effective since January 2018. The relief provided to workers by way of this historic measure is further enhanced by the Negative Income Tax Scheme which is implemented by the Mauritius Revenue Authority and the payment of the additional remuneration for the years 2018 and 2019, the combined effect of which, made the wages of a worker rise to Rs 9,400 per month as from 01 January 2019. 335. In the Budget 2019-20, mention is made that Government would introduce a new Workers’ Rights Bill. The full length of service of a worker, irrespective of the number of employers he has worked for, in the new mechanism would be recognized for computation of gratuity. Broad consensus has been reached, among representatives of employers, trade unions and Government for the introduction of the new mechanism. A Portable Retirement Gratuity Fund would be set up for that purpose. EDUCATION 127