The Parliament has passed the amendment to the Decentralization Act where the government can take plots under an island's jurisdiction for project purposes.

Independent Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan submitted the amendment, with the bill being passed by the Parliament during today's sitting with support from ruling party People's National Congress (PNC) MPs, with 47 out of the 59 MPs in attendance voting in favor of the bill.

Eleven members of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) voted against passing the bill.

MP Hannan filed the amendment, with the bill being passed by the Parliament's Committee on Decentralization with support from ruling party People's National Congress (PNC) MPs during a meeting held on the night of 25th August.

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 the meeting two nights ago. The bill was passed by the committee 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.