Committee approves USD 7 million budget for Auditor General’s Office

The Parliament’s Budget Committee has approved a budget of USD 7.39 million for the Auditor General’s Office (AGO) for the upcoming year. The Constitution mandates the AGO to submit its budget separately to ensure its independence from external influences. In the meeting held by the Budget Committee, the AGO submitted a budget of USD 6.45 million, with USD 5.21 million for recurrent and capital expenses and USD 1.23 million for the construction works of the office building being developed in Hulhumale’. The AGO consulted the Ministry of Finance during budget preparations, suggesting a reduction in salaries and wages. However, the Budget Committee opted not to do so, citing past complaints from the AGO about difficulties in hiring experienced auditors due to low salaries. They stressed the importance of a budget that avoids financial constraints while enhancing the office’s capabilities. Furthermore, the Ministry of Finance recommended raising the USD 1.23 million budget allocated for developing the office building in Hulhumale’ to USD 2.20 million. As a result, Parliamentarian Ibrahim Shujau submitted a revised budget of USD 7.39 million to the committee, which was approved by a majority of its members.