Govt tasks national university for academic research to empower councils
"The university has informed us that the data collection for the study will now begin this month”.
By
Aishath Maha
Maldives National University (MNU) has been entrusted with the task of conducting an academic study to investigate the need for amendments or changes in the law to decentralise the administration and empower the councils.
The study was announced by the Minister of Local Government Adam Shareef at a press conference held on Thursday. He said this is an independent study by the National University.
"We are not involved in this work in itself. However, we are closely monitoring the progress of the work," Shareef said.
"The university has informed us that the data collection for the study will now begin this month”.
The minister said the ministry had discussed with the councils four rules that the ministry would adopt to implement the policy for decentralisation and development of the country's administrative sectors.
The four principles are:
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Keep the focus on empowering councils financially and administratively
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Expand the role of councils to provide rural services
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Make councils more transparent and accountable institutions through public participation and consultation
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LGA and councils provide necessary assistance and cooperation to the government
