President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has revealed 5% of the state budget will be allocated to local councils. The president made the remarks while addressing a campaign event organised by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in Dhidhdhoo in Haa Alifu Atoll.
Empowering councils by amending Decentralisation Act is an electoral pledge of the president. Speaking about the pledge, President Solih said implementing a full functioning Decentralisation Act is prioritised by him. In this regard, the president noted once the amendments to Decentralisation Act are passed by the parliament, the decentralisation system will be implemented with revolutionary changes.
The president said one of the notable changes will be financial stability to councils, adding at least 5 percent of the state budget will be allocated to councils. He expressed income fees from lands and lagoons among others belonging to the islands will be granted to local councils.
Continuing on, the president criticised the previous administration for withholding rights that are most vital.