The People’s Majlis has commenced debates on the "Maldives 2.0" Digital Transformation Bill. The bill was introduced to the parliamentary floor on behalf of the government today by MP Mohamed Ali, the representative for the Gadhdhoo constituency.

The primary objective of the bill is to establish a secure, reliable, and sustainable digital governance framework to deliver public services online. Aligned with a "Digital First" policy, the legislation aims to modernize state administration through technology via a national initiative dubbed the "Maldives 2.0" digital transformation program. To coordinate and execute these strategies, the bill proposes the creation of a new government entity named the "Maldives Digital Service," which will provide the necessary legal foundation for the country's digital governance ecosystem.

Upon enactment, all current responsibilities, rights, assets, and personnel of the existing digital services division under the Ministry of Home Affairs will be transferred to the newly formed Maldives Digital Service. The new agency will continue to operate under the jurisdiction of the Home Ministry, and the respective minister will remain accountable to Parliament for its operations.

The Maldives Digital Service will be tasked with managing the state’s central computer networks, IT infrastructure, and all public ICT services. Additionally, it will mandate technical standards and protocols to ensure that digital public services remain secure, equitable, dependable, and universally accessible.

The agency will be led by a "Commissioner for Digital Technology," who will be appointed by the President. Furthermore, the overseeing minister, in consultation with the Commissioner, will form a specialized "Digital Governance Advisory Committee" to assist in drafting technical frameworks and executing transformation policies.

The bill also dictates the formation of a seven-member "Digital Transformation Council" responsible for shaping national policies. This council will comprise the President, the sector-relevant minister, the minister handling economic policy, the Commissioner for Digital Technology, the Chief Executive of the Communications Authority of Maldives, and an ICT expert appointed by the President. Following the passage of the bill, the government will be required to formulate and implement the "Maldives 2.0 Roadmap," detailing the country's medium- and long-term digital goals.