As part of ongoing efforts to manage public expenditure, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu proposed a 10 per cent reduction in the basic salaries of heads of independent institutions earning above MVR 12,000

The President also sought Parliament’s stance on reducing the salaries of the judiciary, and Members of Parliament; however, the Public Accounts Committee has determined that such reductions are not feasible at this time.

Following an evaluation of the proposal, the committee concluded that changes to the salaries of most independent institutions would require amendments to existing laws. Mohamed Mamdooh, a Member of Parliament representing the Funadhoo constituency from the ruling PNC, highlighted that ensuring uniformity in salary structures across various institutions falls under the committee’s responsibilities. He stated that adjusting the salaries of selected institutions without legislative changes would be inequitable.

The committee found that implementing a salary reduction for most independent institutions would necessitate legal amendments. Given the requirement to maintain parity in salaries across similar roles, the committee decided against the proposed 10 per cent salary cut for Parliament members, the judiciary, independent institutions, and other posts where salaries are determined by Parliament. Consequently, the committee advised the President that the proposed reductions should not proceed.

Instead of salary reductions, the committee suggested alternative cost-cutting measures, including the potential merger of independent institutions such as the Broadcasting Commission and the Media Council. The committee recommended that revising legislation to facilitate institutional mergers could be a more effective strategy for reducing expenditure.

The committee has now approved the report outlining these recommendations following a thorough review of the issue.