President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified an amendment to the Decentralisation Act which introduces Ramadan allowances for Women’s Development Committee (WDC) members.
The 14th Amendment to the Decentralisation Act, proposed by the government, was passed by the Parliament on 18 February, at the sixth sitting of the Parliament’s first session of the 2025 Parliamentary term. The amendment aims to strengthen and clarify the role of elected WDCs in islands and cities under the Decentralisation Act.
The amendment clearly defines WDC responsibilities, enhances operational measures, and establishes structured mechanisms for administrative support. It also reinforces the role of local councils and the Local Government Authority (LGA) in ensuring these committees have access to essential resources, training, and facilities.
To tackle funding challenges, the amendment introduces clear, structured procedures for allocating funds from government grants provided to councils. It also sets definitive guidelines for how WDCs should manage and utilise these funds. It also mandates that that five percent of the government's grant to councils should be allocated to WDCs. The amendment requires the council to hand over the funds required for the first two quarters of the year to the committee within 30 days of receipt of the funds. The remaining funds must be handed over to the committee according regulations made by the LGA.
Additionally, the amendment introduces Ramadan allowances for committee members. Any WDC member not already receiving a Ramadan allowance under another law will now be entitled to MVR 3,000 before the start of each Ramadan month. This development is in line with President Dr Mohamed Miuzzu’s announcement earlier in December, while addressing the residents of Dhangethi, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll. In his address, the President said he would bring necessary amendments to the Decentralization Act and the Employment Act to ensure that the members of WDCs are paid a designated salary, receive Ramadan allowances and are eligible for various schemes offered by financial institutions. He also noted that women play a leading role in the development of every island, adding that the government will give full support to ensure a future where women and men work equally with the same status towards the development of their islands and country.
Following its ratification, the amendment has been published in the Government Gazette and will come into effect accordingly.