As part of the government’s highly publicised decentralisation push, the Islamic Ministry has decided that local government councils will manage mosques in all islands. 

A circular on Sunday provided island councils with the criteria for managing the mosques, which includes financing maintenance and cleaning. 

The councils will also administrate staff at the mosques, and will be charged with providing their salaries and allowances.

This change will take effect on April 1st. 

The ministry currently manages all mosques in the country, except for those in cities. 

The government in January gave city councils charge of mosques and cemeteries in their respective jurisdictions.