The National Pay Commission (NPC) has announced that the salaries and allowances of employees in three sectors will be increased by USD64.8 million annually.
The complaint of low salaries of employees has been a long-standing issue in many sectors in the Maldives. As such, the government decided to address this by formulating a new salary structure to harmonise and bring about a positive change in salaries. As such, salaries have been increased in three areas. In addition to the education sector and the higher education sector, health sector salaries have also been increased by the government.
Speaking at a press conference to share details on the changes in the salary structure, Secretary General at NPC Dr. Mohamed Faizal said the government will spend an additional USD64.8 annually on the three sectors. Along with the salary adjustment in the three sectors, the government has decided to issue the 35% allowance for employees in ministries who do not receive the allowance.
The government increased the salaries of the education sector on the occasion of Labour Day last year. The salaries of a total of 7,141 employees including teachers, principals, and other supporting staff have been increased. The state spends USD30.1 million annually to pay the salaries of such employees. The government has also increased the salaries of the higher education sector this year. As such government will spend USD3.3 million annually to increase the salaries of 327 employees in the sector. The government also spends USD18.3 million annually to increase the salaries of 3,710 employees in the sector.
The government aims to eliminate the pay gap in various sectors with the recently implemented pay framework and to ensure sustainable growth through a robust system.