Independent institutions will not be summoned for budget talks

Budget Evaluation Committee of People’s Majlis has decided against summoning independent State institutions for discussion over the budget allocation for the year 2017.

During the committee meeting held this Saturday morning, government-aligned members called for a reduction in budget allocated to independent institutions, arguing that the independent institutions had proved ineffective.

Meanwhile, opposition members argued that the year-to-year reduction in budget allocated to independent institutions was a deliberate attempt by the government to incapacitate the institutions.

North Galolhu MP Eva Abdulla – a member of the opposition – Maldivian Democratic Party, recommended summoning independent State institutions for discussion regarding budget allocation.

Vilufushi MP Riyaz Rasheed – a member of the ruling – Progressive Party of Maldives, recommended against summoning independent institutions for discussion, but sending letters to independent institutions asking whether the allocated budget was sufficient enough for them to perform their responsibilities, meeting with Ministry of Finance and Treasury with the answer, and negotiating with them for a better deal for the independent institutions.

Both of the recommendations garnered the same number of votes, resulting in a tie.

It’s of note that Central Mafannu MP Asma Rasheed – a government-aligned member, voted for MP Eva’s recommendation to summon independent institutions to the committee.

The tie was broken by Chair of Budget Evaluation Committee, Parliamentary Group Leader of PPM, Vilimale’ MP Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik, who voted to go with MP Riyaz Rasheed’s recommendation to send letters to independent State institutions and meet with Ministry of Finance and Treasury based on the answer.

The next Budget Evaluation Committee meeting is scheduled for Sunday night.

Governor of Maldives Monetary Authority, Dr. Azeema Adam and Auditor General, Hassan Ziyath are scheduled to be summoned to the meeting.