No pay cuts for civil servants despite economic downturn: Pres. Solih
The president assured that the state's cost-cutting measures do not include cutting the wages of civil servants.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih with Cabinet of Ministers
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has assured that there are no plans to cut salaries of civil servants.
President Solih addressed the nation on Thursday evening regarding the country's public health situation amidst the discovery of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the Maldives.
During his speech, the president assured that the state's cost-cutting measures do not include cutting the wages of civil servants. He revealed that these measures include temporarily limiting the budget allocated for official trips abroad, renovations required for government buildings and all government projects with the exception of PSIP's.
Highlighting the imminent negative effects on the economy due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the president disclosed that the country's central bank Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) is working with banks operating in the country to provide assistance for SME's and other business to overcome the forecasted negative economic effects.
Moreover, he highlighted the country's efforts to acquire loan and aid assistance and stated that that the Maldives has received the "green signal" to from friendly states and financial institutions in these avenues.
The president noted that there are currently eight confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the country and appealed for all citizens to stand united and heed the instructions of medical experts.
The president's speech also shed light on the importance of civilian support and co-operation for the government's efforts to curb an outbreak in the country.
