The Parliament's Committee on Decentralization passed the bill last night which seeks to amend the Decentralization Act where the government can take plots under an island's jurisdiction for project purposes with the inclusion that compensation must be given for investments.

Independent Thuhlaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan filed the amendment, with the bill being passed by the committee with support from ruling party People's National Congress (PNC) MPs during a meeting held last night.

The amendment to the Decentralization Act would allow land and lagoons within council jurisdiction to be taken by the state for development projects by a decision of the Cabinet, with two to three amendments being submitted to the bill during last night's meeting. The bill was passed by the committee last night with the inclusion of an additional amendment that was submitted.

North Henveiru MP Ahmed Aifan submitted the amendment, which reads that if an investment was made by a council or other party towards a plot that is being taken from the jurisdiction of a council, adequate compensation will be provided by the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises.

The bill was passed unanimously by MPs who attended last night's committee meeting.