State wage policy bill forwarded to parliament committee

State Policy on Remuneration of Public Officials Bill has been sent to the parliament committee for review today, after President Dr. Mohamed Waheed sent the bill back to the parliament for reconsideration.

The bill was passed by the 24th session of parliament on the 29th of April this year.

In a letter sent to the Speaker of the Parliament on returning the bill, the President stated the bill poses a number of discrepancies as it forces to nullify certain clauses regarding the salaries and allowances of state employees granted under existing laws and that it might also prove to be difficult for the state to enforce the act on institutions that it does not specify.

The letter continues to state that, as the bill asks for the decision made by the Pay Commission, such as the determination of salaries and wage policies, to require parliament’s approval, it proves that the commission will not function as an implementing body. It states that the Pay Commission being unable to finalize it’s decision would put them in a position of questionable authority.

The State Policy on Remuneration of Public Officials Bill was forwarded to the committee today with 26 votes in favour.

Kaashidhoo MP Abdulla Jabir also proposed that the bill be passed by the parliament again without amendment, which would force the President to ratify the bill.

The bill will be reviewed by the Parliament Economic Affairs Committee.