Govt says to lower flat rental; hike salaries for security forces

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said on Saturday that efforts are underway to reduce the rent of flats being constructed specifically to police and military personnel and to make positive changes in their salaries as well.

President Solih made the announcement while speaking at a ceremony held at Hulhumale synthetic track to mark 90 years of police service.

The president said that there is a need to modernise the police service, changes that need to be made and what needs to be completed.

The president said that the most important aspect of the government's governance system is to provide better facilities to the public servants. As part of the government's efforts to bring positive changes in the salaries of government employees, he said the government will also bring a positive change in the salaries of police personnel and soldiers.

"As part of the pay harmonisation drive, we will also bring a positive change in the salaries of our police and our armed forces. The Pay Commission is currently carrying out studies in this regard. While carrying out the above mentioned pay disclosure, there will be a positive change in the salaries of all government employees," he said.

Highlighting the shortage of housing for the police and the armed forces, President Solih said that efforts are being made to bring about a positive change in the prices of flats when the flats built under the Blue Housing Scheme are completed and handed over.

"I can assure you tonight that there will be a positive change in the prices of the flats when they are handed over to you," he said.

It has been 10 years since the construction of the flats mentioned by the president began.

In his speech, the president said that there will be a positive change in the salaries of health workers from next month and the details will be released by the Pay Commission on Sunday.