President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated it is up to the parliament to increase the salaries of the administrative staff of the councils.

President Dr. Muizzu made the remarks while answering a question by Moosa Sabir on 'Raees

ge Javaabu' program regarding the salaries of the administrative staff at the councils.

The President said that the Parliament has categorised the councils at a very low level and as such, the issue of the salaries have not been resolved.

"The salary issue needs attention and the parliament can resolve it," President Dr. Muizzu said.

He said that although the administration wants to increase the salaries, the categorisation of the jobs makes it hard for the government and Finance Ministry to do so.

He added that salary increments can be made once the economy is strengthened, and that he wishes to see salary increments across all categories.

He had earlier said that he would try to give salary hike to civil servants working in civic bodies based on educational qualifications.

He said that unlike other offices, Council staff work holidays and since the councils are always open, the employees have to work all the hours.

"But then again, I would like to address this issue in the future when it comes to making our pay structure. This is someone I have seen the council staff very closely. So, I know the hard work done by the council staff," he said.

This time too, the president had said that there would be legal issues and a solution could only be found through legislative changes inside parliament.