Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs has revealed discussions are ongoing regarding the extension of financial support to Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of state-owned companies.
Chair of the Social Affairs Committee Ahmed Easa said there are several NGOs in the Maldives that are undertaking important responsibilities and conducting a wide range of important projects and programmes. However, he said most NGOs have been unable to extend their scope due to financial constraints.
Easa said the Social Affairs Committee is currently conducting discussions on facilitating financial support for NGOs through the CSR programmes of state-owned companies. He said efforts are underway to establish a monitoring mechanism under Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment to ensure assistance is provided to NGOs in a systemic manner. He noted the ministry is currently conducting the required research to commence the programme.
Easa further noted the Social Affairs Committee is currently reviewing the Amendment Bill to the Associations Act. He said the bill will help to strengthen the operations of NGOs and associations in the Maldives.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment has stated it will be monitoring the operations of non-profit NGOs and civil organisations, to ensure all such organisations are operating in accordance to the relevant laws and regulations. However, the ministry said it will not be coordinating the activities of private organisations.