Maldives Parliament approves bill for state acquisition of council land

The Maldives Parliament has passed amendments to the Decentralisation Act, granting the Cabinet the authority to reclaim land and property from the jurisdiction of island and city councils for government development projects. The bill passed with 47 votes in favor and 12 against, with opposition members from the Maldivian Democratic Party raising constitutional concerns regarding decentralization.

Under the new legislation, once the Cabinet determines that land within a council’s jurisdiction is required for a project, the area will be separated from the council and placed under full state authority. This transfer can occur even before physical development plans for the relevant village have been approved.

The amendment includes several procedural requirements. The Local Government Authority (LGA) must notify the affected council and make the decision public. The government is also required to publish project information, consult with the council, and allow a 14-day period for complaints. Additionally, the government must provide compensation for resources or immovable assets where a council or a third party has made an investment, with specific procedures to be determined by LGA regulations.