Training budget allocated for 2026 surge by 170 percent

The 2026 state budget allocates MVR 194 million for training, marking a 170 percent increase compared with this year’s MVR 71 million.

The rise is largely attributed to the government’s new program under the Maldives National Service, which will train 1,000 youth annually for MNDF and police, with participants receiving a monthly allowance of MVR 6,000.

The first batch of trainees began last month at an MNDF training centre.

Overall, next year’s budget sets aside MVR 620 million for training both in Maldives and abroad; MVR 141 million more than 2025 and also increases allocations for workshops and scholarships.

Recurrent expenditures, including office operations and salaries, will account for 62 percent of the total budget, amounting to MVR 39.9 billion, which is 3.3 percent higher than this year’s allocation.