The Parliament has unanimously approved a record MVR 134.2 million budget for the Auditor General’s Office for the upcoming fiscal year — the largest allocation in the institution’s history.
The proposal, supported by all 51 members present, will now be incorporated into the national budget following approval by the Ministry of Finance and Planning.
According to the figures, next year’s budget represents an increase of MVR 20 million compared to the current year. Of the total amount, MVR 92.8 million has been allocated for recurrent expenses and operational needs, while MVR 41.5 million is earmarked for the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP).
The Auditor General’s Office requested the budget increase to fill critical staffing shortages, noting that seven of its 22 departments are currently operating without senior auditors. The office also cited higher salary costs, following the transfer of Audit Fund employees to the National Pay Framework, which added MVR 9.1 million to its total expenditure.
Officials said the additional funding will help improve audit coverage, enhance institutional efficiency, and ensure more timely and comprehensive financial oversight of government operations.
Ahmed Saleem, Vice Chair of the Parliament’s Finance Committee, said the record allocation underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring effective oversight of public finances.
He also highlighted that the new headquarters building for the Auditor General’s Office — scheduled for completion by March next year — will further strengthen the institution’s ability to deliver high-quality audit reports and uphold fiscal transparency.
The enhanced resources and infrastructure, he added, are expected to bolster the country’s accountability mechanisms and improve public confidence in the management of state funds.
