Opposition opposed to

Opposition MPs have voiced their concerns at the parliament sitting today regarding the proposed sudden increase in Ramadan allowance.

The bill seeking equality in the disbursement of Ramadan allowance was submitted to the parliament on behalf of the government by Dhuvaafaru MP Mohamed Ali, on 19 May.

In the debate on the bill today, Komandoo MP Ahmed Nashid said that private companies, unlike the government, would not be able to implement this change.

He quoted the Governor of the central bank, Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), and said that due notice must be given before such abrupt amendments are made to laws.

Medhu-Henveyru MP Ali Azim supported the proposition to increase Ramadan allowance, but urged the government not to make such efforts to gain short-term benefits.

The new bill states that every Muslim employee must be assured minimum Ramadan allowance of MVR 3,000.

The Employment Act presently states that one-third of a person’s salary must be paid as Ramadan allowance, prior to the commencement of the month of Ramadan every year.

It adds that if one-third of the salary is less than MVR 2,000, the employee shall be paid MVR 2,000; and if one-third of the salary is higher than MVR 10,000, the employee shall be paid MVR 10,000.