President: Solely increasing salaries not a solution, employees require education and training

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, on Wednesday, citing solely increasing salaries of civil servants as the nation’s economy flourishes as an insufficient solution, has emphasized the importance of the continuous provision of education and training required to civil servants along with it. 

In his address to the nation on the occasion of International Labor Day – the President noted that efforts have already commenced to increase the salaries and allowances of civil servants working in various government organizations. He also spoke regarding the importance of introducing housing schemes specific for private sector employees in addition to public sector employees.

The President also spoke regarding the working environment in his address – during which he emphasized the need to implement measures to ensure job security. On this note, he detailed the need to facilitate soft loan schemes and income-generating markets to ensure job security for employees.

Speaking further, President Muizzu cited the debt owed by the state to many hard-working private individuals and companies as one of the most pressing concerns when his administration assumed office. As per the President, the result of owing over MVR 900 million in debt to private individuals and companies by state-owned companies and millions in debt to private individuals and companies by various government offices, left the nation’s economy falling into a deep ditch while private companies were rendered unable to pay their employees.

Henceforth, President Muizzu said his administration’s highest priority to repay these debts. He particularly emphasized the debt owed to fishermen – affirming the government’s commitment to disburse payment for the millions owed, in order to protect the nation’s economy’s bloodline.

The President also spoke regarding the government’s efforts to allow individuals who have retired after working in crucial sectors such as health and civil service to return to work. In this trajectory, he said his administration will raise the retirement age from 65 to 75.

“Additionally, opportunities are now being provided to persons with disabilities to fitting work at a reasonable pay to ensure they are not sidelined in the society,” he added.

President Muizzu also spoke regarding his plans to expand the economic sectors, and in this regard, introduce new sectors to the country which would create job opportunities for the youth. He also expressed hope that the introduction of e-wallet will pave the way for payment gateway services in the Maldives which will ease the process of international transactions.

Concluding his address, the President expressed hope for a vibrant future for all laborers with the implementation of the aforesaid plans.

He added that his government aims to ensure a financially stable and prosperous life for all Maldivian laborers within this five-year term.