The Education Ministry has decided to take a slew of measures to cut down on government expenditure.

In a circular sent to schools on Tuesday, the Ministry of Education said that since President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has advised them to act in a way that does not waste public funds, steps have been taken to reduce the expenses of the institutions under the Ministry's control.

In a circular sent to schools, the ministry has asked schools to do 10 things to reduce costs:

  • Ministry and all departments operating in Male' City to close at 1430hrs during weekdays. If office remains open past 1430hrs to provide essential services to people, permission to be obtained through Permanent Secretary a day in advance
  • Administrative offices in schools in Male' and Atolls to close at 1430hrs
  • Encourage employees to spend as much time with family as possible and to ensure all allotted tasks are completed
  • Not conduct any more festivities or ceremonies than needed without prior approval from the Ministry
  • Not to take any trips with budgetary funding unless absolutely necessary
  • AC's to be kept at 25 degrees and switched off at the end of official hours
  • Keep lights off when classrooms are not in use
  • Reduce number of print-outs
  • Seek Ministry approval for expenditures that require over MVR 5,000
  • The Ministry said that despite these measures, services to the public should not be interrupted.