NDC, RDC councillors to receive increased stipends within days – Manickchand

More than 1,000 Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) councillors, along with chairpersons, vice-chairpersons and Regional Democratic Council (RDC) councillors, are set to receive increased stipends within days.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand announced on Thursday on the ministry’s Facebook page that the necessary approvals have been completed and the enhanced payments will soon be distributed to local government officials across the country.

“We’re looking forward to getting this to you shortly. In a matter of days, you will see that coming into your various NDCs and into your various homes,” Minister Manickchand said.

Under the new arrangement, NDC chairpersons will receive $50,000 monthly, instead of $10,000, while vice-chairpersons will see their stipends increase from $5,000 to $40,000.

Also, councillors will now receive $30,000 instead of $3,000, while RDC councillors will also benefit from an increase from $30,000 to $50,000 per month.

The minister said the increases are intended to strengthen local democratic organs and better support those serving communities nationwide.

“With more, our councillors, chairpersons, vice-chairpersons will have more to give you, I hope, and so when much is given, much is expected,” she stated.

The local government minister added that the government remains committed to ensuring local government bodies are better equipped to serve residents and contribute to community development.

“I believe that we can work together to make our local bodies function better and this is our part of trying to make sure we can do our part as a state to help these bodies to function better,” she said.

This is a measure that highlights the government’s dedication to fulfilling the measures stated in the 2026 budget earlier in the year. [DPI]