Speaking at the inaugural session of the People's Majlis for 2025, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to strengthening decentralisation by actively engaging with local communities and councils across the country.

A key focus of his address was the need to enhance the capacity and working conditions of council secretariats. To this end, he announced that contracts have already been awarded for the construction of 55 council secretariat buildings, while a further 50 facilities will be developed with Chinese grant assistance.

In addition to infrastructure development, the President emphasised the importance of improving council staff salaries. He confirmed that the planned salary adjustments for civil service and judiciary employees this year would also extend to council employees, ensuring greater parity in remuneration.

President Dr Muizzu also addressed the role of Women’s Development Committees (WDCs), highlighting forthcoming amendments to the Employment Act and Decentralisation Act. These legislative changes, set to be introduced this month, will restructure committee allowances into formal salary grades. As a result, WDC members will gain access to benefits such as Ramadan allowances, bank loans, and maternity leave entitlements.

Further underscoring his commitment to decentralisation, the President spoke about his extensive outreach efforts. He noted that he has met with all but one council in the country, including all atoll and city councils, and that a second round of discussions is already underway.

Through these initiatives, President Dr Muizzu reaffirmed his Administration’s determination to empower local councils and strengthen decentralised governance across the Maldives.