Parliamentary Committee Approves USD 14.7 Million Budget for Next Year's Operations

The Parliamentary General Purposes Committee has unanimously approved a budget of USD 14.72 million to fund the operations of the Maldivian Parliament for the upcoming year. The new allocation remains largely consistent with this year's funding of USD 14.66 million. According to the Committee Secretariat, the slight increase of approximately USD 60,000 is not intended for payroll expansions, new staffing positions, or increased allowances. Instead, the additional funds are specifically earmarked to cover rising costs for repairs and spare parts for equipment essential to parliamentary sittings. Alongside the operational budget, the Secretariat outlined three key policy initiatives focused on infrastructure and accessibility. The planned upgrades include the installation of a new lift within the Parliament building to enhance accessibility, renovations to the security and waiting rooms, and the installation of air-conditioning in the main building's portico corridor. Despite the approval, the Secretariat noted that the budget ceiling imposed by the government continues to fall short of the legislature's estimated requirements. This gap has forced the committee to prioritize essential maintenance and facility upgrades over other potential expenditures. To become official, the proposed budget must now be ratified through a formal vote on the parliamentary floor before the current session concludes.