Finance Minister: Development projects not possible if independent institutions

Minister of Finance Abdulla Jihad has said that development projects planned by the government would have to be stopped if the budgets allocated to independent institutions are to be increased.

Jihad made this remark while speaking at the Parliament Budget Committee.

“The government’s policy is to allow independent institutions to function independently. The government will find ways to provide funds. The government’s aim is to expand investment, and to establish water and sewerage systems and construct roads for the people,” said Jihad.

At the meeting, members of some parties requested that budgets of independent institutions be increased to some extent, though not to the extent requested by those institutions. To that end, Parliamentary Group Leader of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Ibrahim Mohamed Solih highlighted the importance of providing the amount requested by the university.

Deputy Parliamentary Group Leader of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Riyaz Rasheed said that all members in the Budget Committee want to implement development projects for their respective constituencies.

The committee has met with officials of seven independent institutions over the past two days. During those meetings, the officials shared the difficulties they face due to lack of budget, with the members of the committee.