President: Salaries of council administrative staff low; only parliament can resolve issue

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, acknowledging the salaries of administrative staff in local councils are low, states the issue can only be resolved through the parliament.

He made the remark while responding to Moosa Sabir from N. Naalafushi – an administrative staff at the island’s council, who inquired regarding salary increments for administrative staff in the civil service on the ‘Raees ge Javaabu’ series Monday; a platform that enables the public to get direct responses to their queries and concerns from the President.

Sabir said he is working at Naalafushi Council after attaining his degree. He stressed that such individuals receive low salaries.

In response to the query – President Muizzu said the parliament has categorized the salaries of council staff in a very low tier.

“That is the main issue. Even if the government, via Finance Ministry, wishes to increase the salaries, it cannot be done due to the categorization,” he said.

“An immediate remedy can be brought to this through the parliament. By undertaking various efforts within the parliament,” he added.

President Muizzu expressed his wish to increase the salaries of all employees in general. However, he said this can only be achieved once the economy is further strengthened and there is an increase in revenue.

The President has repeatedly talked about reforming the management of the local councils and the salaries of its staff. He cited empowering the Women’s Development Committees as one the first tasks the government coalition will undertake if they receive the majority in the upcoming parliamentary election.

Meanwhile, the outgoing parliamentary assembly passed an increment to the salaries of councilors on February 28^th.