A 69 percent increase in political positions in govt.

It has been revealed that the number of political positions within the government has increased by 69 percent compared to the previous administration and would cost the state MVR 331.2 million.

The state budget proposed for 202 shows that there will be 785 political positions within the government and will cost the state an estimated MVR 331.2 million in salaries, benefits, and amenities.

This is figure stark contrasts the promise of President Solih in July when he stated that the number of political positions would not increase from the 465 it stood at then. “Sun” tried to contact President’s Office spokesperson Ibrahim Hoodh regarding the figures but was not able to reach him or get an answer from the spokesperson.

The highest number of positions are in the President’s Office which has 377 employees. When taking into account figures such as employees working under contracts, the figure increases to 465 in total. The next highest number is from the Health Ministry which has 109 political positions. Foreign Ministry has 86 political positions.

Around MVR 8.7 billion is estimated to be spent on the salaries and benefits of civil servants under the state budget 2020. The number of civil servants is accounted for at 45,835.

Reducing the number of political positions by 20-30 percent is pledge made by the administration when it came to power.