Vice President budget raised
Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, Goodall Gondwe, on Tuesday told Parliament that budgetary allocations to some government ministries, department and agencies have been raised to accommodate salary increase for junior civil servants.
Among others, Gondwe brought to the House an adjustment to the budget of the Office of the Vice President from about K4.8 billion to about K5.1 billion.
Other notable budgetary allocations which have also been raised are those to the Judiciary (from about K7.1 billion to about K8.6 billion), State Residences (from K5.3 billion to K5.9 billion) and Assets Declaration Directorate (from about K473 million to about K493 million).
However, the overall budget has been decreased from K1.1492 trillion to K1.129 trillion.
When the MPs were scrutinising the allocations on Tuesday, Gondwe said the increase on the salaries has prompted government to deduct allocations from some departments.
For instance, allocation to the Department of Human Resources Management and Development has been reduced from K29.5 billion to K2.6 billion.
“The proportion of staff at State House is more of juniors than seniors. They need an increase of 15 percent. This is the same with other departments,” Gondwe explained to the MPs.
Also raised is an allocation to the National Audit Office, which has been changed from about K1.5 billion to K2.1billion.
“National Audit Office needs to bring in auditors for the so-called K577 billion Cashgate and for other audits and that is why we have increased their allocation,” Gondwe told the House.
An allocation to the National Assembly has also been raised from K10.4 billion to K10.9 billion. According to Gondwe, this has been due to extended meetings which Parliament had, including the budget meeting.
Other notable votes that have been increased include Malawi Defence Force (from K20.9 billion to K26.7 billion) and Malawi Police Service (from K22.9 billion to K28.1 billion).
The new Ministry of Civic Education, Culture and Community Development has been allocated K876.2 million.
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