Councils Raise Concerns Over Revised State Pay Framework, Says Minister

Local Government Minister Adam Shareef Umar has said that several councils have raised concerns over changes to the state pay framework introduced last November, with discussions currently underway to address the issues.

The minister said the revised salary structure has created financial strain for councils, particularly in meeting the cost of administrative staff salaries, as councils are now required to allocate a higher portion of their budgets to wages.

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He noted that some councils have formally shared their concerns, prompting ongoing discussions with the Pay Commission and the Ministry of Finance to find a workable solution.

The remarks follow public criticism from Malé City Mayor Adam Azim, who highlighted the impact of salary reductions on administrative staff and other civil servants at the council. He said monthly salaries are central to employees’ livelihoods, covering essential expenses such as housing, food, utilities, education costs and loan repayments.

The mayor also said sudden and significant salary deductions, implemented without prior notice, have placed financial pressure on families. He further noted that many council employees already receive low wages and that the effects of the revised framework extend beyond elected councillors.

Concerns over the new pay structure have been reported across multiple sectors, with civil servants in various roles citing reductions in their salaries. Judiciary employees, including Family Court staff, recently staged a silent protest by reporting to work dressed in black in response to changes introduced under the government’s pay harmonisation initiative in November 2025.

The government has not yet announced any amendments to the pay framework, although discussions with relevant institutions are continuing.