WDC salaries revised three times within 48 hours: Ministry confirms latest figures are "final"
Following public criticism over the initial salary hikes for Women's Development Committees (WDC), the Ministry of Finance has revised and finalized a lower pay structure. Under the new framework, the monthly salary for WDC Presidents in cities has been set at MVR 20,000, while those in islands will receive MVR 15,000; despite these reductions, the figures remain significantly higher than the remuneration provided during previous terms.
From the ceremony held for the swearing-in of newly elected local councillors and the signing of the declaration of office by Women's Development Committee (WDC) members. | Male city council
The Ministry of Finance on Friday announced that it has finalized the salary structure for Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) in cities and islands, following three separate revisions within a span of just two days.
The National Pay Commission’s decision last Wednesday to set salaries for Women’s Development Committee members higher than those of council presidents and councilors has sparked widespread public backlash. Many took to social media to criticize the government, describing the move as a reflection of inconsistent and contradictory policies.
According to the initial circular, the salary for presidents of Women's Development Committees (WDCs) in cities was set at MVR 41,500, while their counterparts in islands were to receive MVR 21,000. Following public criticism, the salary for city-level presidents was reduced to MVR 33,000, though the remuneration for island-level presidents remains unchanged.
Following public criticism, salary structures have been revised once again, with the Ministry of Finance announcing that the monthly salary for presidents of Women's Development Committees (WDC) in cities is now set at MVR 20,000. Additionally, the Ministry disclosed that presidents of island-level committees will receive a monthly salary of MVR 15,000.
The salaries for other members remain unchanged. Accordingly, members of Women's Development Committees (WDCs) in cities will continue to receive MVR 6,000, while vice-presidents will receive MVR 7,000. For island WDCs, members will receive MVR 5,000 and vice-presidents will receive MVR 6,000.
During the previous term of the local councils, the monthly salary for presidents of Women's Development Committees in cities was set at MVR 7,000, while their counterparts in island councils received MVR 6,000.
