Administrative staff salaries exceed those of local councilors; proposal submitted to increase councilor pay
MP Mohamed Ibrahim highlighted that councilors earning less than their administrative staff undermines the authority of elected positions and hinders effective governance. To address this, he proposed that the relevant parliamentary committee revise councilors' salaries to ensure a positive change, aimed at retaining educated professionals in islands and strengthening the decentralization system.
MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo): The member has proposed an increase in the salaries of local councilors. | Majilis
Member of Parliament for North Galolhu, Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo), has proposed positive adjustments to council salaries, noting that the pay for some administrative staff currently exceeds that of elected councilors.
In a letter addressed to Speaker of the Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla on the 11th of this month, Ibrahim stated that while local councilors bear the greatest responsibility under the Decentralization Act, recent legislative amendments have significantly expanded their duties and mandates, leading to a substantial increase in their required working hours.
Ibrahim also noted that concerns are being raised regarding several key issues identified after reviewing the current salary structure of councilors.
Ibrahim highlighted that the salary of a council president is currently lower than that of a secretary general, while the salary of a council vice president is less than that of a council executive. Furthermore, it was noted that the salaries of council members are lower than the total pay and allowances received by certain other council employees.
Ibrahim stated that when the salaries of officials elected by direct popular vote to manage councils and serve the public are lower than those of general administrative staff, it creates a perception that councilors hold a lower status than the employees they oversee. He further noted that this disparity undermines the authority of elected officials, creating significant challenges in enforcing decisions and managing operations through administrative staff.
Consequently, Ibrahim has outlined the proposed plan for increasing the salaries of council members.
They are:
- Council President: 45,000 Rufiyaa
- Vice President of the Council: 35,000 Rufiyaa
- Council Member: 25,000 Rufiyaa
Ibrahim emphasized that this initiative is crucial for strengthening decentralization and ensuring that educated, capable individuals remain in local administrative roles rather than migrating to the Greater Male' region. The member has therefore requested the relevant parliamentary committee to review the matter.
