National Service bill to be enacted, governing council chaired by president

A bill seeking to establish a legal framework for the government’s national service programme has been introduced in parliament.

The proposed bill, titled the National Service Bill, provides for the creation of a governing council to oversee the programme, with the president designated as its head.

Under the bill, the national service programme will consist of two main components: a basic education and training course, and service within state-designated uniformed bodies.

Young people aged between 16 and 28 will be eligible to participate. The bill outlines the programme’s objectives, guiding principles and implementation procedures.

The proposed governing council will comprise the president, the minister of homeland security, the minister of defence, the minister of finance, the chief of defence force and the commissioner of police.

The council will be responsible for ensuring the proper implementation of the programme and strengthening its operational framework.

If passed into law, the bill requires the home ministry to formulate and implement regulations governing the operation of the national service within six months.

According to government figures, 1,244 young people applied for the national service programme last year. Of these, 350 took part in the first round of three month training.

Sixty six participants who completed the initial training applied for vocational training and are currently undergoing further instruction at the MNDF training centre in Baa atoll Kihaadhoo.