Parliament Approves USD 7.39 Million Budget for Auditor General’s Office

The Parliament’s Budget Committee has approved a USD 7.39 million budget for the Auditor General’s Office (AGO) for the coming fiscal year. 

As per the Constitution, the AGO submits its budget independently to maintain autonomy and ensure its freedom from external pressures. During the Budget Committee meeting, the AGO initially proposed a budget of USD 6.45 million, including USD 5.21 million for recurrent and capital expenses and USD 1.23 million for constructing its new office building in Hulhumale’.

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In preparing the budget, the AGO consulted the Ministry of Finance, which recommended a reduction in salaries and wages. However, the Budget Committee decided against this, highlighting previous concerns raised by the AGO over the challenges in attracting qualified auditors due to low salaries. The committee emphasised the need for a budget that adequately supports the office’s operations without financial limitations.

Additionally, the Ministry of Finance suggested increasing the building allocation from USD 1.23 million to USD 2.20 million. In response, Parliamentarian Ibrahim Shujau proposed a revised budget of USD 7.39 million, which received majority approval from committee members.