News Desk
The People’s Majlis has passed an amendment to the Decentralization Act that allows the government to reclaim land under local council jurisdiction whenever the cabinet decides it is needed for a state project.
Sponsored by Independent MP Abdul Hannan (Thulhaadhoo constituency), the bill cleared the floor during today’s sitting with the backing of the ruling PNC. Out of 59 members present, 47 voted in favor, while 11 lawmakers from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) voted against it.
The fast-tracked legislation swept through the Decentralization Committee during a surprise emergency meeting held late night, where lawmakers hammered out key revisions before pushing it to the floor.
Among the major changes added during committee stage was an amendment introduced by MP Ahmed Aifan (Henveiru North constituency). Under his revision, if the government takes back land where a council or a third party has already invested capital, the affected parties can submit a claim to the Finance Ministry to seek fair financial compensation.
