President plans to revise block grant to councils

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu says he plans on revising and increasing the block grant issued to run local councils.

President Muizzu, who is on a tour of central Maldives, made the announcement during a rally in K. Guraidhoo on Thursday afternoon.

Addressing the rally, he stressed the need for greater financial independence of councils.

‘I believe that having a portion of tax revenue collected by MIRA go to councils will truly empower the people,” he said.

He said that the money can be used to run economic activities in islands, boost income, and fund repairs and renovations.

President Muizzu said he plans on pushing revisions to the policy on issuance of block grants through the Parliament.

He appealed to voters to elect pro-government candidates in the upcoming parliamentary elections, saying that it was crucial for the administration to implement its developmental initiatives.