Gov’t Proposes Ramadan Allowance for WDC Members

The government has proposed an amendment to the Decentralization of Administrative Areas Act to introduce a Ramadan allowance for members of Women’s Development Committees (WDCs).

The amendment was submitted to Parliament by Ahmed Zameer, Central Machangolhi MP from the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), on behalf of the government.

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The proposed amendment includes the inclusion of WDC members in the National Pay Commission, as advised by the Local Government Authority (LGA). The statutory Ramadan allowance would be MVR 3,000 per employee.

Additionally, the bill seeks to ensure that funding for WDC activities is allocated through government grants to local councils, with the aim of strengthening the committees’ work.

Currently, WDC presidents and vice-presidents of city councils earn MVR 7,000 and MVR 6,500 per month, respectively, while members receive an allowance of MVR 6,000. In island councils, WDC presidents earn MVR 6,000, vice-presidents MVR 5,500, and members MVR 5,000.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had previously announced in December that WDC members would be granted Ramadan allowances this year. With Ramadan beginning on 1 March, the bill is expected to be passed before the start of the month.

In 2022, the LGA approved an amendment that allowed Ramadan allowances for WDCs.