The ‘Maldives 2.0’ Digital Transformation Bill has been submitted to parliament under the administration’s digital policy to fortify the governance framework. Introduced for the administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu by Mohamed Ali, the member of parliament representing Gadhdhoo, the bill aims to deliver services in a reliable, secure, and sustainable manner.
Upon enactment, the bill initiates a “digital-first” programme titled ‘Maldives 2.0’ to align administrative procedures with modern technology, increase efficiency, and build public trust. To administer these systems, a specialised agency, the ‘Maldives Digital Service’, will be created, absorbing all personnel, responsibilities, and rights from the existing service under the Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology. Remaining under the ministry's jurisdiction, the agency's sole mandate will be providing state information and communications technology services and maintaining infrastructure. The presiding cabinet minister will be held accountable to Parliament.
The President of the Republic will appoint a Commissioner for Digital Technology as chief executive. To draft technical standards, the minister must convene a ‘Digital Governance Advisory Committee’ advised by the commissioner. Additionally, a seven-member Digital Transformation Council, including the President, relevant ministers, the commissioner, the communication authority chief, and an appointed technical expert, will determine overarching policies. Ratification will mandate a ‘Maldives 2.0 Roadmap’ for long-term objectives, a secure digital identity system, a unified citizen portal, and a robust data-sharing framework.