PNC opposes salary hike for local councillors
Members of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) have opposed a resolution submitted to Parliament by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) calling for an increase in councilors' salaries. During the debate, PNC members stated that while they support the principle of a pay rise and intend to implement it within the current term, the present economic climate is not the appropriate time for such a change. However, the government faces public criticism for continuing to appoint individuals to political positions while simultaneously citing economic constraints as a reason to delay salary increments.
Ibrahim Shujau, the Member of Parliament for the Baarah constituency, stated in Parliament that the country's current economic situation does not permit an increase in the salaries of local councilors. | Raajjemv graphics
Members of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), which holds a supermajority in Parliament, have voiced their opposition to increasing the salaries of local councillors, citing the country's current economic situation as a barrier to such a move.
Members of the People's National Congress (PNC) made these remarks during a parliamentary debate on a resolution submitted by the MDP Member for South Galolhu, Meekail Ahmed Naseem, which calls for an increase in the salaries of local councilors.
In a resolution submitted on May 11, Meekail highlighted a pay disparity within local councils, noting that the salaries of council presidents are lower than those of their secretaries-general, while vice-presidents earn less than executive-level staff. The resolution further pointed out that the remuneration for general council members is even lower than that of certain administrative employees. The resolution emphasized that following various amendments to the Decentralization Act, the responsibilities of council members have significantly increased. It asserted that it is the state's obligation to ensure these officials receive a wage commensurate with their expanded duties.
Speaking on the matter, Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau stated that while the People's National Congress (PNC) generally supports increasing the salaries of local councilors, the resolution proposed by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) was not submitted in good faith. Consequently, Shujau announced that the PNC would not be supporting the resolution. He further noted that the country's current economic situation does not permit such a move at this time, but assured that adjustments to councilors' salaries would be made before the end of the current term.
During the debate, South Feydhoo MP Ibrahim Didi stated that the Maldivian economy had significantly declined during the MDP administration, and that the current government is working to rescue the nation from that situation. He further alleged that the MDP is submitting such resolutions with the intent of further sabotaging the economy. Additionally, Didi noted that civil servants perform the most strenuous work within local councils. However, he emphasized that the current administration is actively working to improve the salary structure for councilors.
Milandhoo MP Hassan Mufeed questioned why the MDP administration failed to increase the salaries of local councilors during its two terms in power. Similarly, Thinadhoo North MP Saudulla Hilmy stated that while he supports providing councilors with a fair wage, the current economic climate suggests that now is not the most appropriate time for such an increase.
While the PNC opposes increasing the salaries of councilors, many allege that the current administration continues to hand out jobs to achieve political objectives at its whim, without any regard for the country's economic situation.
