Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ahmed Nazim has suggested that state institutions performing similar functions should be merged to improve efficiency and reduce government expenditure.

Speaking during a meeting of the Budget Review Committee, Nazim made the remarks while addressing a proposal to increase the budget allocations for independent institutions in the 2020 state budget. He noted that any increase in funding would require reductions in other areas of the budget.

Nazim highlighted that several government bodies carry out overlapping responsibilities, which results in unnecessary administrative expenses. He pointed out that each institution requires its own management, financial, and logistical resources, leading to duplicated costs.

He further observed that questions remain regarding the effectiveness of some independent institutions in fulfilling their mandates. To address this, Nazim proposed merging related offices, such as placing the Office of the Children’s Ombudsperson and the Office for Persons with Disabilities under the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM).

Nazim also mentioned that certain agencies, such as the Family Protection Authority, could operate under the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services to streamline efforts and reduce spending.

He concluded that savings from such mergers could be redirected to strengthen the budgets of other key institutions, following consultations with the Ministry of Finance and relevant political parties.