President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that members of Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) will begin receiving a Ramadan allowance starting next year. The announcement came during his visit to Dhangethi, part of his ongoing tour of South Ari Atoll.
Addressing residents, President Muizzu acknowledged the longstanding challenges faced by WDCs, citing unfair treatment stemming from current legal provisions. He explained that while their grievances have been raised in public forums, addressing these issues requires extensive research, consultation, and legislative changes.
To resolve these challenges, the President revealed that the Government will propose amendments to both the Decentralization Act and Employment Act when Parliament reconvenes. These amendments aim to provide WDC members with proper salaries, a Ramadan allowance, and access to financial institution schemes. He assured that these changes would take effect in time for members to receive their first Ramadan allowance during the upcoming holy month.
During the meeting, the President also highlighted the recently ratified Foreign Currency Bill. He noted that the legislation, once enacted, would benefit the public by permitting dollar transactions and doubling credit card limits, easing financial constraints.
Additionally, President Muizzu announced ongoing efforts to amend laws requiring a percentage of local tourism revenue to be transferred directly to councils. This initiative, he said, would enable councils to receive tourism tax revenue directly, bolstering their financial independence and empowering them to fund community projects effectively.
Addressing residents, President Muizzu acknowledged the longstanding challenges faced by WDCs, citing unfair treatment stemming from current legal provisions. He explained that while their grievances have been raised in public forums, addressing these issues requires extensive research, consultation, and legislative changes.
To resolve these challenges, the President revealed that the Government will propose amendments to both the Decentralization Act and Employment Act when Parliament reconvenes. These amendments aim to provide WDC members with proper salaries, a Ramadan allowance, and access to financial institution schemes. He assured that these changes would take effect in time for members to receive their first Ramadan allowance during the upcoming holy month.
During the meeting, the President also highlighted the recently ratified Foreign Currency Bill. He noted that the legislation, once enacted, would benefit the public by permitting dollar transactions and doubling credit card limits, easing financial constraints.
Additionally, President Muizzu announced ongoing efforts to amend laws requiring a percentage of local tourism revenue to be transferred directly to councils. This initiative, he said, would enable councils to receive tourism tax revenue directly, bolstering their financial independence and empowering them to fund community projects effectively.
