The Local Government Authority (LGA) has instructed councils that they must obtain the Authority’s approval before hiring anyone for any position.

In a letter sent to councils yesterday, signed by LGA CEO Mohamed Nimal, it was stated that for newly created or vacant permanent positions funded through the state budget or council revenue, people may only be hired after obtaining written approval from the Authority. The letter noted that this policy is being enforced under the government’s cost-cutting agenda.

In addition to permanent jobs, the letter stipulates that announcements for hiring under contract employment, wage employment, consultancies, and any other form of paid work must also be issued only with LGA’s approval.

The opposition MDP has been criticising the government, saying it is centralising the powers of the islands to Malé. This approval requirement comes at a time when the government has abolished atoll councils, reduced the number of councillors, and introduced changes to the Decentralisation Act that weaken the powers of councils.