The Parliamentary General Purposes Committee has unanimously approved a budget of USD 14.72 million for the legislature’s operations for next year.
The decision, reached with the consensus of all committee members present, maintains around the same level of funding as this year’s allocation of USD 14.66 million. The Committee Secretariat clarified that the modest increase—roughly USD 60,000—does not cover salary hikes, new staff positions, or additional allowances. Instead, the extra funds are earmarked for higher expenditures on repairs and spare parts for equipment used during parliamentary sittings.
The Secretariat outlined three “New Policy Initiatives” slated for implementation next year which includes installation of a new lift in the Parliament building to improve accessibility, renovations of the security room and waiting room and air‑conditioning of the corridor in the portico area of the main building.
The Secretariat also noted that the government‑imposed budget ceiling remains below the Parliament’s estimated needs, prompting the committee to seek the modest uplift to cover essential maintenance and facility upgrades.
Under Parliamentary procedure, the proposed budget must be ratified by a vote on the parliamentary floor before the session concludes.