In a much-anticipated move, the His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muiz, the President of the Maldives has responded to concerns raised by two students from the first batch of the Bachelor of Arts (Library and Information Management), BALIM, course regarding the librarians’ job salary framework. This topic has been a significant point of discussion among librarians in the Maldives, and the President’s recent statements have brought a sense of optimism for the future.
The issue of library staff salaries has been a long-standing concern within the library community. Despite their critical role in preserving and disseminating knowledge, library employees have faced stagnant wages and limited career advancement opportunities. This situation has been particularly troubling for those who have invested in their education, only to find that their efforts are not recognized through corresponding salary increases.
The catalyst for the President’s recent address was the advocacy of two proactive students from the first batch of the Bachelor of Arts (Library and Information Management) course. They highlighted the discrepancies in the salary structure, emphasizing that although a salary framework was approved by the Ministry in 2009, it has been on hold by the Pay Commission. Consequently, employees who have completed their degrees have not seen any salary increments, remaining in the same positions with the same basic salary.
In response to these concerns, His Excellency Dr. Muiz has pledged to take decisive action. He committed to harmonizing the pay framework, ensuring that employees with educational qualifications in the field receive additional salary benefits. His Excellency Dr. Muiz is dedicated to implementing a more equitable and rewarding salary structure for qualified library professionals
The President’s response has been met with widespread approval from the library community, as this is seen as a critical step towards rectifying long-standing issues.
While Dr. Muiz’s commitment is a promising start, the journey toward fair compensation for library staff is ongoing. Continuous advocacy, transparent processes, and active involvement from the library community will be crucial to ensure these promises are realized.
The President’s response on the salary concerns raised by students of the library & information management degree course marks a pivotal moment for the library sector. It brings hope for a future where library professionals are adequately valued and compensated for their essential work. As we look forward to the implementation of these measures, let us remain engaged and proactive in supporting our library staff and ensuring they receive the recognition and compensation they deserve.
Maldives Library Association 