ACC: Steps would be taken if people’s budget is tapped for Eid celebrations

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has said that they would take the necessary steps under the Article 27 of the Law of ACC if the people’s budget is used to fund the Eid celebrations in Haa Dhaalu Hanimaadhoo this year.

ACC said that if the Hanimaadhoo Island Council votes to use the Council budget for the celebrations, it is against decision against the state’s financial regulations. And if a state office is taking part in any sporting event, the budget of the said office should not be used to the event and if the said budget does not have sporting goods covered in the budget, it shall not be used for such a purpose.

Hanimaadhoo Council was ordered by the ACC to submit a letter to the Finance Ministry and get approval if the Council wants to use the budget finances for something outside the budget.

It was private citizen that reported to the ACC after a decision was made to spend MVR 875,000 from the people’s budget for the Eid celebrations organized by private club of Hanimaadhoo.

A member of the Hanimaadhoo Island Council has previously told Sun Media that while some members of the council do not wish to spend from the budget, there is no regulation set on how such a large sum of money would be used.

Article 27 the ACC law states that failure to comply with an order from the ACC or smearing the ACC would result in the punishment of one month in prison or three months in house arrest or a fine of MVR 3000.