President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the 18th Amendment to the Decentralization Act, following its approval by Parliament on Thursday.

The amendment bill was submitted on behalf of the Government by North Fuvahmulah MP Hamad Abdulla and was passed with the support of 59 members.

The main change introduced under the amendment is bringing employees of the Local Government Authority (LGA) under Civil Service.

Under the amendment, employees required by the authority will be appointed and dismissed by the Civil Service Commission based on recommendations from the authority. The amendment also designates the Chief Executive Officer of the authority as the senior official responsible for matters related to employee administration.

The amendment further states that salaries and allowances for positions within the authority will be determined by the National Pay Commission under the State pay framework.

In addition, the amendment formally includes waste management services among the public services required to be provided by local councils in islands and cities.

The amendment came into effect following its publication in the Government Gazette.