Govt. to roll back some cost-cutting measures

The government has decided to revert some cost-cutting measures implemented in light of COVID-19 and its economic impact on the country. 

A circular sent by the Finance Ministry read that changes were to come to the cost-cutting measures implemented on March 18 and May 16.

The circular read that measures such as reduction of 10 percent in wages of political appointees, such as Deputy Ministers and above would no longer be in effect. 

Reversal of the decision to reduce wages of civil servants earning more than MVR 20,001 is also included in the circular. The reduction of wages for parliamentarians are also to be rolled back, according to the Finance Ministry. 

Despite the rollback of these measures, recruitment by state institutions is still to be approved by the Ministry, as well as new allowances and replacement of employees who resign. 

The circular read that trips taken by state institutions officials abroad is still halted. Approval of the Ministry is required for necessary trips. 

Maldives is among the economically worst-hit countries in the world due to COVID-19, which led the government to implement cost-cutting measures. The country officially reopened its borders on July 15 after nearly four months when the economy was at a complete standstill due to the virus.