President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that Womenβs Development Committee (WDC) members will be entitled to Ramadan allowance from next Ramadan.
Addressing Dhangethi residents on Saturday as part of a tour of Alif Dhaal atoll, the President said WDC members are unfairly sidelined due to a loophole in the Decentralization Act. While WDCs have expressed their concern over these issues, significant work needs to be undertaken to effectively address the matters, the president said, adding that the administration has taken the time to research the issue and obtain technical advise.
The president said amendments to the Decentralization Act and Employment Act will be submitted to the upcoming Parliament session to ensure that WDC members, who currently only receive an allowance for their work, receive a monthly salary. With this change, they will become eligible for loans and financial schemes offered by local banks to salaried employees, as well as become entitled to the Ramadan allowance, the president noted.
The president also shed light on the forex bill ratified earlier the same day. He announced that once the changes under the bill are effectively implemented, the administration plans to double the current credit card limits for US dollar transactions.
Speaking on local governance, the president highlighted plans to deposit a percentage of local tourism revenue directly to local councils. He stated that the technical preparations for the initiative are underway, and the bill will be presented to the Parliament as soon as the process is completed. With the passage of the bill, taxes from local tourism will go directly to island councils, empowering the councils financially.
