It has been decided to establish an Atoll Office of the Local Government Authority (LGA) in each atoll following the dissolution of Atoll Councils under the amendment brought to the Decentralization Act.

With the dissolution of the Atoll Councils, a letter sent today from the President's Office to the LGA regarding the names to be given to these places and how to manage the employees working at these councils has now circulated on social media.

In the letter sent to the LGA, signed by the Secretary to the President on Public Policy, Aishath Ikram, she stated that since the offices established to provide LGA services within administrative divisions under the Decentralization Act are not being set up as separate government institutions, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated a name he deems fit for use, instead of designated distinct names for these places.

According to the letter, that name is "Local Government Authority - (Atoll) Office." For example, the letter noted "Local Government Authority - B. Atoll Office."

As the term of the Atoll Councils expired today and the councils have now been dissolved, the President also directed in the letter to arrange matters concerning the employment of staff working in those institutions in accordance with the Decentralization Act.

The letter stated that the President directed to arrange employment matters in consultation with relevant authorities in a manner that ensures no employee loses their job, and without any reductions to the salary and allowances they currently receive.

With the expiration of the term of the current Atoll Councilors today under the amendment brought by the government to the Decentralization Act last year, Atoll Councils have been dissolved.

Under that amendment, the number of councilors in cities and islands has also been reduced. Newly elected councilors to the councils took their oaths of office today.