The People’s Majlis has agreed to require relevant authorities to build a database containing information about people that may be verified by fingerprint or face recognition.
The Committee on National Development and Heritage’s evaluation report on the country’s status in information technology, science, and communications was approved by 51 members present at today’s session.
Ikram Hassan, Majlis member for Dhiggaru seat, requested the research on the country’s information technology situation. Following extensive study in the subject and consultations with key organisations, the committee’s report offered advice to the government on carrying out works in three major categories: technology, communications, and planning.
Recommendations on Technology:
- Establishing a digital agency to design and develop all software required by state institutions, as well as integrating the system into a single network.
- Bring all IT personnel in government agencies under the purview of the digital agency and provide them with a means to do their job in one location or digitally.
- Creating a central database to verify someone’s identification via fingerprint or face recognition, which may be updated by that person.
- Changing the wage structure for IT workers to keep them in their position
The Committee on National Development and Heritage conducted a one-year review of the Maldives’ information technology status with the assistance of relevant authorities and personnel. The committee also examined the amount of money spent on information technology by government agencies and companies, with the evaluation report detailing various issues identified by the committee.
With the approval of the report, the President’s Office’s Chief Technology Officer and the technology ministry are required, with the assistance of experts in the field, to compile an implementation plan in the information technology, science, and communications fields within four months.