Maldives Finance Committee Approves Salary Hikes for Local Council Members

The Finance Committee of the People's Majlis has approved a proposal to increase salaries for presidents, vice presidents, and councillors of island councils. The proposal, submitted by Funadhoo MP Mohamed Mamdhooh and seconded by Fuvahmulah North MP Hamdhoo Abdullah, was passed with the support of PNC members during Monday's committee meeting. Under the approved changes, council presidents' salaries would rise from 25,500 rufiyaa to 30,500 rufiyaa, vice presidents' from 20,000 to 25,000 rufiyaa, and councillors' from 18,000 to 23,000 rufiyaa. The increase includes a service allowance of 5,000 rufiyaa for councillors. Two committee members, Hulhumale South MP Ahmed Shamheed and Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa, voted against the proposal. Ghafoor Moosa expressed concern that the salary hikes would strain the state budget and be funded through grants meant for council operations, impacting other essential expenses. He argued that given the current economic situation in the Maldives and globally, such increases were inappropriate. The committee also approved salary increases for the Speaker of Parliament and government ministers.