President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced last night that the decision has been made to make it so that if someone retires from a position but is appointed to another state position, their retirement allowance will be halted for the duration of their employment.
During the Hulhumale' Phase 1 community meeting at Rehendhi School last night, President Muizzu said that certain measures have been put on the agenda in order to combat the government's growing expenditure.
As per the President, retired individuals have been appointed to important government positions, and that they are ethically decent, competent and honest people. The President also said that as they are capable individuals, they have been included in the government's efforts in hiring those who are honest in conducting government operations.
However, President Muizzu said that he believes it is not right that they should receive their retirement allowance on top of their salary upon being appointed.
"Expenditure will grow if individuals keep getting their retirement allowance even upon being appointed and receiving a salary. This is a good point to be made."
And so, while highlighting that agencies have been informed to find a solution for this, the President said that he has informed that changes be made to the rules of the military, police and civil service and for the changes to be gazetted.
President Muizzu added that if a retired individual is reappointed to a government position, their retirement allowance will be suspended for the duration of their employment. “Ensuring that they do not receive double allowances is a principle I support, just as citizens do, in the interest of fairness and equality,” he said.
Major government companies such as MTCC and HDC have retired individuals currently under their employment.
During the meeting, President Muizzu said that some who are beyond the age of 65 are still in good health, and that some of them would rather work instead of staying at home. And so, the President pledged to raise the retirement age to 75.
With said changes, the President said that the Re-employment Bill has been submitted to Parliament, with the bill being submitted so that those between the ages of 65 to 75 who want to work would be able to do so within the confines of law.
