Day: July 10, 2010

Disabled Maldivians helped by Special Needs bill

A law to protect the rights of intellectually disabled Maldivians, and provide them with financial assistance, has been ratified by President Nasheed.

The Special Needs bill, passed by the Majlis on 22 June, contains “principles and procedures” to provide “protection and financial assistance to people with special needs,” according to the President’s Office website.

The bill was originally passed by the Majlis on 21 December 2009 but was returned by the President for reconsideration of articles that, in his opinion, contravened international standards and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

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Majlis amendments against Constitution and convention: President Nasheed

Under the Constitution and conventions, the President has the power to seek nominations to the Civil Service Commission and submit nominations to the Majlis, said President Nasheed in his weekly radio address. Making nominations for the commission to the Majlis was not its legal role, said the President, and he was returning amendments to the Civil Service Act to the Majlis for reconsideration.

The power of the President to seek and receive nominations to the commission, and select applicants, is removed under an amendment to Article 13 of the Act passed by the Majlis on 22 June. This power would be taken by the Majlis, and the President would have to appoint whoever they selected. The President would not have power of approval, unlike the power of approval given to the Majlis under the original Act.

A secret ballot would be used by the Majlis to appoint the chairperson and deputy chairperson of the commission under an amendment to Article 17 of the Act.

The Majlis would have the power to dismiss members of the commission if their actions are “inappropriate”, or if they are unable or incapable of fulfilling their duties in the view of the Majlis, according to an amendment to Article 15 of the Civil Service Act.

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