A petition has been launched calling for a reduction in Parliament members salaries and an end to allowances for former parliamentarians.
The petition, hosted on change.org, argues that high salaries, committee allowances and premium health insurance for MPs are an unnecessary financial burden at a time when the economy is struggling.
The petition states that with the country facing mounting debt and a growing budget deficit, urgent steps are needed to curb wasteful government spending.
It highlights the significant increase in MPs' total earnings due to committee allowances and describes it as unfair that they receive a premium health insurance package compared with Aasandha, the public healthcare scheme.
Those in support of the petition are calling for MPs’ salaries to be reduced, committee allowances to be scrapped, and for elected representatives to receive only basic Aasandha coverage.
"It is unacceptable for elected representatives to receive premium healthcare coverage that is unavailable to the public they serve," the petition states.
It also urges the government to end allowances for former MPs and to take immediate action to ensure public funds are spent more responsibly.
Currently, MPs receive a monthly salary of MVR 62,500, plus a committee allowance of MVR 20,000, bringing their total monthly earnings to MVR 82,500.
Under the Privileges and Powers of Parliament Act, former MPs have been entitled to a service allowance since June 2014. The Act grants financial allowances to former members once they reach the age of 55. Those who have served one term receive 30 percent of their salary, while those who have served two terms receive 45 percent.
According to figures from the Pension Office, MVR 33.8 million has been spent on allowances for former MPs over the past decade, including MVR 6.4 million last year alone.
Last year, the government proposed cutting the salaries of MPs, state officials and heads of independent institutions, but the parliament rejected the proposal.