Salary cuts for government employees for a short period – says President

Speaking on his radio address this morning, President Mohamed Nasheed has said that salary reductions of government employees would be effective only for a short period. He said the usual salaries will be restored after this period.

He said the reduced pay was still higher than what government employees earned in January. He therefore added the measure not needed to be an issue of grave concern to employees.

The President said: “If by reducing a portion of the salaries of government employees will prevent damage to the public, in my opinion, taking the measure is wise and a government obligation.”

Benevolent government

In his radio address, the President said the government had a policy whose goal was to establish a benevolent government.
The policy includes, amongst other things:
- identifying the number of poor people in the country
- carrying out the “Madhana” health-insurance programme
- providing means-tested electricity subsidies

Transport network

In his radio address, the President said the results of the transport network established in Laamu and Thaa atolls were promising. 2600 people have used the system to travel since its establishment in August of this year.

He revealed during the coming week, transport network would be established in North Thiladhunmathee atoll, South Thiladhunmathee atoll, North Miladhunmadulu, Huvadhoo atoll, Fuvahmulaku and Addu atoll.

“In no time, we’ll see an integrated Maldives, where anyone can link to anyone else,” said President Nasheed.

People’s Majlis

In his radio address, the President expressed concern over the deadlock at the People’s Majlis. “It is a matter of great sadness that proceedings at the Majlis don’t take place in a manner that serve the people adequately,” said the President. He also stated that amount of money being spent from public money for the Majlis is not a small amount.

Teachers’ day

President Nasheed also highlighted on the Teachers’ day coming next week. He appreciated the important contribution of teachers to the society. He said, “We must acknowledge with happiness, from deep our heart, the work being done by teachers.”