The Parliament’s Finance Committee has approved a proposal to increase the monthly salaries of members of the Cabinet from MVR 58,500 to MVR 75,500.

The proposal was submitted by PNC MP Mohamed Mamdhooh of Funadhoo constituency and seconded by PNC MP Hamad Abdullah of Fuvahmulah North constituency.

The committee’s administration said the increase was proposed to address salary disparities following changes to the pay structure in 2024, which resulted in members of independent institutions and the judiciary receiving higher salaries than Cabinet members.

Under the proposal, the increase would be implemented through revisions to the allowances package for drivers assigned to Cabinet members, rather than a direct salary adjustment. The changes include increasing the monthly fuel allowance from MVR 1,000 to MVR 2,000, the driver’s salary from MVR 6,500 to MVR 12,000, and the living allowance package from MVR 7,500 to MVR 17,000.

MDP MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa of Hanimaadhoo constituency opposed the proposal, warning that salary increases at this time would place additional pressure on government finances amid global economic uncertainty. He said he did not support salary adjustments for any sector under the current circumstances.

The proposal was approved with the support of the PNC majority on the committee.