General Purpose Committee Approves MVR 196.2 Million for Majlis Budget

The General Purpose Committee has given its approval to the proposed budget of MVR 196.2 million for the Parliament. 

This budget, includes an increment in staff allowances as part of the proposal presented yesterday.

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The General Purpose Committee, responsible for reviewing the parliamentary budget, had previously requested the Secretariat to consider an increase in the salaries of parliament staff. It’s worth noting that these staff members have not seen a salary increment in over a decade.

However, the Secretariat has opted to increase staff allowances instead of making adjustments to their basic salaries. According to Majlis Secretary General Fathimath Niusha, this decision was made with the aim of reducing the burden on the budget. 

A salary increment would also necessitate increases in pensions and overtime pay, which the alternative solution avoids.

During the committee meeting held today, attendees voted to approve the proposed budget, which includes an additional MVR 4.6 million for raising allowances. In addition to the staff allowances, the budget also allocates MVR 4.2 million for New Policy Initiatives.

The 2023 budget for Majlis stood at MVR 182 million. The increase in this year’s proposal is primarily due to the decision to elect additional members to the upcoming parliament. The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has confirmed that the 2024 parliamentary elections will witness candidates contesting in 93 constituencies.