A petition calling on the People’s Majlis to pass a bill granting cabinet greater authority over land within council jurisdictions has been opened for signatures.

The bill, submitted by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdulhannan Abubakuru, seeks to amend the Decentralisation Act to allow ministers to delegate powers over land and premises under city and island councils to the councils.

The petition, opened on the Majlis website by S. Meedhoo resident Binaa Ahmed Shaathir, has received 822 signatures so far.

It argues that the proposed amendment would make it easier to provide essential services at island level, including allocating land for police posts and other public facilities.

The petition also rejects claims that the amendment would weaken councils, arguing that councils would retain full legal authority over land within their jurisdictions in line with approved land-use plans.

A separate petition calling for the amendment to be withdrawn has received 2,307 signatures.