Maldives MP Calls for Independent Ministry of Education Free from Political Influence

During a parliamentary debate on proposed amendments to the Education Act, Member Amin Faisal of the Kandihim constituency has called for the creation of an independent institution or department for education, suggesting it should be the Ministry of Education. The debate was initiated by Member Anara Naheem of the Hura constituency, who proposed a system to allow students unable to attend school due to immaturity or psychological issues to be taught at home under the guise of going to school. Member Faisal expressed concern that teachers in the country are not given the respect and love they deserve, describing the current situation as a national crisis. He attributed this crisis to the arrogance of political leaders who seek to exert influence over departments and control teachers. Highlighting that teachers on various islands provide services divided by political ideology, Member Faisal noted that teachers act as second parents to students, spending many hours looking after them. He lamented the loss of past practices that strengthened students' bodies, such as activities after Fajr prayer, and noted that education departments are sometimes inaccessible even when schools, students, teachers, and parents desire otherwise. The member stated that the best course for the country would be to demonstrate a day when the Ministry of Education operates free from political ideology and influence. He suggested that if the Ministry of Education were given a separate budget and treated similarly to the judiciary, the country would experience much better days. He also proposed providing teachers with health insurance packages similar to those given to police and soldiers.