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Towards a more equitable budget

The article was published in Maldives Economic Review in its December 2019 Issue 2.  To read the full article click link at end  World Bank in an introductory economic report on Maldives in 1979 states that “Male dominates the political, economic, and social structure of the country. It is here that a small national elite presides over the archipelago's affairs and takes decisions that are crucial to the well-being of the atolls. Not surprisingly, a disproportionate share of government expenditures directly benefits Male and ensures its residents a standard of living that is substantially higher than in the atolls The other islands now rely upon it as their main trading post and contact point with the rest of the world” Fifty years later Male’ has become one of the most congested cities in the world with a population density of 65,201 per km according to National Bureau of Statistics of Maldives. Top reasons for migration as per census is; as a return migrant, educati

Joke: Understanding Maldivian political system

A joke I received from a friend. Modified to add Maldivian flavor. Read and N-joy! Son: "Dad, I have to do a special report for school.Can I ask you a question?" Father:"Sure son. What is the question?" Son: "What is Maldivian Political system?" Father:"Well. let's take our home for example. I'm the head of the family, so let's call me Government. Your mother makes the most decisions in the house ,so let's call her Majlis. We take care of your needs, so let's call you The People.We'll call the maid The Working class and your baby brother we can call The Future. Do you understand son? Son: "I'm not really sure,dad. I'll have to think about it." That night awakened by his brother crying,the boy went to see what was wrong. Discovering that the baby had seriously soiled his diaper,the boy went to his parents room and found his mother sound asleep. He went to the maid's room,where,peeking through

Divide and rule!

We are an unfortunate lot. I mean we are already divided geographically to insignificant proportions making it unsustainable, unfeasible and not viable to do and sustain anything valuable. (On top of that some bigger islands want to stay divided administratively to get two or more councils!!). In this state the perks available to any ruler is ignorance of his subjects, them being busy with their quarrels, arguments, and differences to notice the sorry state they are in. This makes The Maldives a heaven to get power, to stay in power and sustain that power without doing much, for centuries to come! Let me get to the point. According to last census, 75 islands have a population of less than 500, 58 islands have a pop. between 500-1000, and only 65 islands have more than 1000 pop. If I have my way, an inhabited island should have at least 1000 pop (which is not much). If it does not fit the criteria, the people should be offered the option to move to bigger islands. Any i