Ameer Refutes President’s Claim on Local Council Staff Salaries Resolution

Former Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer has refuted President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s assertion that the issue of local councils’ administrative staff salaries must be addressed solely within parliament.

President Muizzu, responding to a query from Moosa Sabir of N. Naalafushi, an administrative staff member at the island’s council, during the ‘Raees ge Javaabu’ series on Monday, acknowledged the low salaries of administrative staff in local councils. He pointed out that parliament had classified council staff salaries into a low tier, indicating that resolution of the issue lies within parliamentary proceedings.

“The main issue lies here. Even if the government, through the Finance Ministry, intends to raise salaries, it is hindered by this categorisation,” President Muizzu stated. “Addressing this requires parliamentary action, through various initiatives.”

President Muizzu expressed his desire to increase salaries for all employees, contingent upon further strengthening the economy and revenue growth.

Disputing the claim in a post on X, Ameer clarified that salaries and allowances for council administrative staff are determined by the National Pay Commission. He emphasised that the Pay Commission formulates pay metrics and salary frameworks, with parliament not involved in this process.

“The budget passed for 2024 includes salary increases for civil service staff. The Pay Commission categorises office tiers for the purpose of setting allowances,” Ameer explained.

He noted that the Pay Commission’s categorization of office tiers is solely for determining allowances for various positions.