President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the 14th Amendment to Act No. 7/2010 (Decentralisation Act).
The bill was passed during the 6th sitting of the first session of the 2025 Parliamentary term on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
Proposed by the Government, this Amendment aims to strengthen and clarify the role of elected Women's Development Committees (WDCs) in islands and cities under the Decentralisation Act.
The Amendment clearly defines WDC responsibilities, enhances operational measures, and establishes structured mechanisms for administrative support. It also reinforces the role of local councils and the Local Government Authority (LGA) in ensuring these committees have access to essential resources, training, and facilities.
To tackle funding challenges, the Amendment introduces clear, structured procedures for allocating funds from Government grants provided to councils. It also sets definitive guidelines for how WDCs should manage and utilise these funds.
Additionally, the Amendment introduces Ramadan allowances for committee members. Any WDC member not already receiving a Ramadan allowance under another law will now be entitled to MVR 3,000 before the start of each Ramadan month.
Beyond these key changes, the Amendment resolves various implementation challenges that have arisen under the existing law.
Following its ratification, the Amendment has been published in the Government Gazette and will come into effect accordingly.