Peoples Majilis Public Accounts Committee (PCA) has approved salary increment for magistrates.

The decision was made following the request from Judicial Services Commission (JSC) to increase magistrate salaries.

Speaking during the meeting, PAC Chairperson and Kinbidhoo constituency MP, Mohamed Nashiz said that JSC had proposed revisions to magistrate salary structure stating the present structure was formulated in 2010 and needs revision to hire and maintain magistrates in courts.

Pay Commission and Finance Minister Ameer approved the salary structure revision for magistrates. As such, MNP member and Thimarafushi constituency MP Abdulla Riyaz proposed the revision of salary structure to PAC committee for votes, seconded by Hanimaadhoo constituency MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa.

The salary structure revision was passed by unanimous votes by the commission.

As per the revision proposed by JSC, an additional MVR 3.7 million will be spent on magistrate salaries annually.

Dhaandoo constituency MP Yaugoob Abdulla noted that the salary revision was budgeted before Finance Ministry's decision to cut costs.