Parliament has begun debate on the emergency motion filed by opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on the issue of nullification general subsidies granted for basic foods.
The motion was proposed by MDP's Vaikaradhoo Constituency MP Mohamed Nazim. The motion was accepted for debate by the vote of 52 members, with the secretariat passing to grant one hour for debate.
The motion says the sudden decision by the Government to nullify the general subsidies have pushed the prices of the said good by 100 percent. Coupled with the high electricity prices, he said this has caused considerable difficulties to the public. He also noted availability of the basic foods in the Atolls is more difficult and that this must be brought to the attention of the Government.
"This is the first time in 40 years subsidies has increased the most. Additionally, MIFCO had debts of MVR 300 million and now is transferred under management of a different company," Nazim said.
With the changes to the subsidies, a rice kilo selling for MVR 3.89 will now sell for MVR 7.96. A kilo of flour will sell for MVR 5.96, which used to sell for MVR 2.89. A kilo of sugar now sells for MR 8 from MVR 4.
The Ministry will be depositing MVR 40 per month to individuals and MVR 240 for households worthy of subsidies.
