Parliamentary Committee Approves Bill Allowing Government to Reclaim Council-Controlled Land Despite Public Opposition
25 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | އަންގާރަ 13:27The parliamentary committee has approved an amendment to the Decentralization Act allowing the government to reclaim council-owned land for state projects, disregarding public concerns and a formal petition. While the revised bill includes provisions for compensating councils for existing investments on reclaimed land, critics argue that the move significantly undermines the administrative authority and autonomy of local councils.
The Parliament's Committee on Decentralization reviews the bill to amend the Decentralization Act. | People's Majlis
The Parliament’s Decentralization Committee has passed a controversial amendment to the Decentralization Act that grants the government authority to reclaim land under local council jurisdiction for state development projects. The committee moved forward with the bill despite a public petition calling for its rejection and widespread concerns regarding its impact on local governance.
The committee held a meeting on Monday night, during which it passed the bill proposed by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannaan Aboobakuru with several amendments.
During the meeting, Ahmed Aifan, the PNC Member of Parliament for North Henveiru, proposed an amendment requiring the Ministry of Finance to provide fair compensation to councils or third parties in cases where investments have been legally made on land or property subsequently removed from a council's jurisdiction.
While the committee passed the member's proposal by a majority vote, it was opposed by Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir and Keyodhoo MP Mohamed Niushad of the opposition MDP, along with independent member for the Addu Meedhoo constituency, Abdul Rahman.
Furthermore, an additional subsection has been inserted following subsection (l) of Section 56-2 of the Act.
Following the committee's approval and submission of these amendments to the floor, the MDP member for the Kendhoo constituency raised concerns during a previous meeting. He noted that a petition regarding the bill had been submitted to Parliament, and the Petitions Committee had requested the Decentralization Committee's input on the matter. The member argued that if the bill is finalized without considering such a petition, it would render the entire process of allowing public petitions to Parliament meaningless.
The member stated that the situation was unacceptable and could not be allowed to proceed in such a manner. Consequently, the member proposed that the bill's proceedings continue only after taking the petition into consideration. However, the committee, which holds a PNC majority, rejected the proposal.
As the committee continues its review of the bill sponsored and introduced by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannaan Aboobakuru, MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) of the MDP, representing the North Galolhu constituency, has proposed several amendments to the legislation.
The bill has sparked significant concern among the public and local councils. A petition submitted to Parliament highlights that the proposed amendment would strip powers from democratically elected councilors and transfer them to the Cabinet. The petition further notes that these changes would allow for disciplinary action against elected representatives on the grounds of opposing or failing to cooperate with Cabinet decisions.
Expressing their concern over the matter, several councils have issued statements and resolutions calling for the withdrawal of the amendment.
