The Maldivian government has submitted a bill to Parliament proposing the removal of the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) from under the civil service and granting it greater autonomy. The bill, sponsored by South Maafannu MP Abdulla Rifau, was read for the first time in Parliament on Monday.

Currently, the AGO operates under the civil service, which requires its staff to adhere to civil service regulations. This status has led to challenges, particularly in recruiting qualified attorneys, as the AGO’s salaries are lower compared to other independent state institutions like the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO).

The government’s aim with the bill is to create a separate, independent institution for the AGO, allowing it to carry out its mandated duties more effectively. According to the bill, AGO staff will be divided into two categories: legal service and administrative service, with salaries determined by the Finance Ministry, in line with policies from the National Pay Commission.

Additionally, the bill proposes that AGO staff be eligible for enrollment in an appropriate health insurance scheme. The bill also outlines the responsibilities and duties of both the Attorney General and AGO staff, setting standards for their conduct and performance.

This move seeks to enhance the AGO’s autonomy, ensuring it operates independently and efficiently, in line with the Constitution’s declaration of the AGO as an independent state institution.