5 percent of state income to be allocated to councils

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that the government will propose an amendment to the decentralization law so that 5 percent of the income of state income would be designated for island councils. 

President Solih stated in the councilor's conference of MDP held in Hulhumale' today that the making financially decentralized councils were the way to complete the decentralization system of the country. The president also stated that the government will propose amendments to the decentralization law to make councils more financially independent, decentralized and less dependent on the central government.

Moreover, the president also stated that empowering and giving citizens the power to control and decide on the natural resources and speeding up the development process of the country was also an aim of these proposed amendments. An amendment that would entitle the councils to the profits gained through leasing or renting the places and locations in the jurisdiction of the island councils will also be proposed.

"40 percent of the lease profits attained from land, islands and reefs and 100 percent of the profits attained through leasing land in the jurisdiction of the islands will also go to the councils. And any profits gained by the fees taken by councils will also be given to the councils," said the president.

The president also stated that the changes would pave the way for councils to create companies and corporate societies, conduct business and gain profits through these means.

"Work to bring many more such good changes to the law are being carried out," said the president. The president also stated that these proposed amendments would be presented to the councilor's meeting and that the input of the councilors will be taken into account when presenting the amendments to the parliament.