Salaries of some administrative staff exceed those of councilors; resolution submitted to increase councilors' pay
The resolution highlights that despite the increasing responsibilities of councilors, their current salaries remain lower than those of certain administrative staff and political appointees, thereby undermining their elected authority. To strengthen the decentralization system and retain skilled professionals within local communities, the motion calls for a meaningful salary revision for both councilors and Women's Development Committee members. Furthermore, it asserts that the state holds a fundamental responsibility to ensure these officials receive compensation that is commensurate with their workload and duties.
Meekail Ahmed Naseem, Member of Parliament for the South Galolhu constituency. | Majlis
Meekail Ahmed Naseem, the Member of Parliament for the South Galolhu constituency, has submitted a resolution to the People's Majlis seeking a positive revision of council salaries, noting that the pay for certain administrative staff currently exceeds that of elected council members.
The resolution was presented for its first reading during Monday's parliamentary sitting. The resolution highlights that while Article 230(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives mandates that administrative divisions be governed through a decentralized system, a specific legal framework—the Administrative Divisions of the Maldives Decentralization Act—has already been established and is currently in effect to govern these operations.
The resolution states that local councilors bear the primary responsibility under the Act. It further notes that following recent legislative amendments, their duties and obligations have expanded significantly, requiring a substantial increase in the time dedicated to their official work.
The resolution notes that Article 37(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives guarantees every individual the right to work in a safe environment with equitable treatment. This includes the right to receive fair compensation commensurate with the work performed, to have their performance evaluated against uniform standards, and to be entitled to equal pay and equal opportunities for professional advancement.
However, the resolution noted that the salary of the Council President is lower than that of the Secretary General, while the Vice President’s salary is less than that of a Council Executive. Furthermore, it highlighted that the remuneration for Council members remains lower than the combined salary and allowances of certain administrative staff within the council.
Furthermore, the resolution states that the current pay structure, where salaries for councilors elected by direct popular vote remain lower than those of general administrative staff, creates a perception that councilors hold a lower status than the employees they oversee.
The Member noted that when the salaries of elected officials are lower than those of government-appointed political directors and senior political directors, it undermines the authority of the elected representatives. He further emphasized that although councilors are the first responders to any situation and serve the public 24 hours a day, they do not receive overtime pay. Consequently, he stated his belief that a positive adjustment to the salaries of councilors is necessary.
Furthermore, the member highlighted in the resolution that successive amendments to the Decentralization Act have significantly expanded the roles and responsibilities of councilors. Given the substantial increase in the time required to fulfill these duties, the member stated that it is the state's responsibility to ensure they receive adequate and proportionate compensation.
The resolution emphasized that this measure is crucial for strengthening the decentralization system and retaining educated, skilled professionals in their home islands rather than losing them to the Greater Male' Region. It further noted that this issue is deeply intertwined with the challenge of rural depopulation and directly impacts the quality of services provided by councils to their residents.
The resolution emphasizes the necessity of a positive adjustment to the salaries of local councilors, further noting that it is essential to include members of Women's Development Committees (WDCs) in any such pay revisions.
As MP Meekail submitted this resolution, the Member for North Galolhu, Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo), also addressed the matter by sending a formal letter to the Speaker of Parliament, Abdul Raheem Abdulla.
