President Ratifies Amendments to Decentralisation Act, WDC Members to Receive Ramadan Allowance

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu ratified the 14th Amendment to the Decentralisation Act yesterday, allowing Women’s Development Committee (WDC) members to receive Ramadan allowances.

The amendments to the bill were passed on Tuesday.

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The government proposed amendments to strengthen and clarify the role of elected WDCs in islands and cities. This includes ensuring that elected WDC members who are not already receiving a Ramadan allowance under another law will now be entitled to MVR 3,000, provided before the start of each Ramadan.

Previously, WDC members were not eligible for the Ramadan allowance, which is mandated under the Employment Act for all Maldivian employees. As they were not classified as employees but rather received an allowance for their “part-time like work,” they did not receive benefits such as Ramadan allowance or maternity leave.

The ratified amendment clearly outlines WDC responsibilities, enhances operational procedures, and establishes structured mechanisms for administrative support. It also reinforces the role of local councils and the Local Government Authority (LGA) in ensuring these committees have access to necessary resources, training, and facilities.

To address funding challenges, the amendment introduces structured procedures for allocating Government grants to councils and sets clear guidelines for how WDCs should manage and use these funds.

Beyond these key provisions, the amendment resolves various implementation challenges that have emerged under the existing law. Following its ratification, it has been published in the Government Gazette and will come into effect accordingly.