Council budget to aid those in need from next year: Pres

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated today that next year's council budgets submitted to Parliament are to be utilized by islands in helping those in need and emergency purposes.

While speaking to residents of Olhuvelifushi during his current visit to Lhaviyani Atoll, the President stated that preparations for next year's budget are underway.

President Muizzu said that as per law, the budget will be submitted to Parliament by the end of the week, along with funds for new projects.

As per his pledges, the President said that the budget will allocate funds for the projects that started this year, with projects that have not had practical work start yet.

While atoll councils will be abolished as per the changes in the Constitution, President Muizzu stated that the funds that were being given to atoll councils will be given to island councils.

The President stated that this is being done in order to provide services to island residents via council budgets.

"The funds that are saved from a lack of an atoll council will be spent on the social wants and needs of residents. The budget is being set up in a way where councils have to spend on those in need, the disabled and the like. The budget must also be spent on emergency situations," said President Muizzu.

The President said that the funds are being given for social matters as part of the council's responsibilities, and that it must only be used as such.

While gesturing that the change will bring about more revenue to councils, President Muizzu stated that the funds can only be used in providing aid for such individuals.

President Muizzu said that next year's budget via the council will be kind, caring and helpful to island residents.

The government plans to amend the Decentralization Act to have three council members for islands with a population lower than 2,000 and islands with a population higher than 2,000 to have five council members.

Women's Development Committees will also have the same ratio. The President for the committee will be elected by the residents of the island, as per President Muizzu. President Muizzu has said that the law will be amended in order to make that position a full-time one.