President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the 19th amendment to the Decentralization Act, allowing the government to take land under the jurisdiction of island councils for development projects if approved by the cabinet.

The amendment, submitted by independent Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannaan, was passed by parliament on Wednesday and came into force following its ratification today.

Under the amendment, the government can take land under the jurisdiction of island councils if the cabinet decides to use it for a government project.

The amendment also provides for assets and resources previously owned or managed by atoll councils and later transferred to the Local Government Authority under the 17th amendment to be transferred to the Ministry of Finance when the new amendment comes into force.

Before land is removed from a council’s jurisdiction, the council or another party can submit an investment proposal to the Ministry of Finance, with appropriate compensation to be provided, according to the amendment.

The President’s Office said the amendment aims to ensure councils fully cooperate in facilitating the timely implementation of government development projects while strengthening procedures for allocating land required for state projects.

The bill passed with 47 votes from the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), out of 59 MPs present. Eleven opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MPs voted against it.

A public petition opposing the amendment was launched after parliament passed the bill. More than 6,000 people have signed the petition so far.