The National Pay Commission has revised the salaries of Women’s Development Committee (WDC) presidents and members.

Under the Decentralisation Act, Women’s Development Committees are elected in every inhabited island to advise councils on community development and issues related to the empowerment and welfare of women. Members of the committees are elected for five-year terms.

According to the revised structure announced by the Pay Commission, presidents of Women’s Development Committees in cities will now receive a monthly salary of MVR 20,000. Vice presidents of city committees will receive MVR 7,000 per month, while committee members will receive MVR 6,000.

Under the revised structure for island committees, presidents of Women’s Development Committees will receive MVR 15,000 per month. Vice presidents will receive MVR 6,000, while committee members will receive MVR 5,000 monthly.

Earlier changes introduced under this year’s budget include increasing the council budget allocation for Women’s Development Committees from five percent to 10 percent. In addition, Ramadan allowances for WDC members will now be provided through council budgets instead of committee budgets.