Supplementary budget being proposed to manage gov’t expenses this year as well

The current administration has decided to present a supplementary budget to the People's Majlis for this year as well.

This was revealed by Minister of Finance Moosa Zameer on Saturday.

Zameer has noted that there are difficulties in managing cash flow.

He also revealed that, as in previous years, a supplementary budget will be submitted this year to cover state expenses as well.

The finance minister highlighted that the government is aiming to submit the budget with the minimum amount necessary.

Zameer has said that if expenses are not reduced, the supplementary budget could potentially reach MVR 10 billion. However, he said that it is unlikely.

He noted that they are working to keep the supplementary budget in the range of MVR five billion.

The minister stressed that with cost-cutting policies, the supplementary budget can be reduced and that work is currently underway to determine the amount of the supplementary budget.

The government has expressed concern about the way supplementary budgets are being submitted.

Attorney General Ahmed Usham has said that state expenses should be made in accordance with the budget passed by the People’s Majlis, according to the Constitution.

Usham stressed that it is very clear that expenses should not exceed the budgeted amount and added that budgets are submitted to the parliament after supplementation, and doing so after spending is against the Constitution.

The People's Majlis passed a budget of MVR 49.8 billion this year.

The government has estimated that a supplementary budget of about MVR five billion will be submitted.

A supplementary budget of MVR 6.5 billion was submitted in 2023.