Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand has announced that the Government is set to implement significant increases in stipends for elected officials serving on Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), with payments expected to begin within days.

Speaking on Thursday, the Minister said the increases, which were first announced in the 2026 National Budget, are now ready for implementation after the completion of the necessary administrative and financial approvals.

Under the revised payment structure, Chairpersons of the country’s 70 NDCs will see their monthly stipends increase from $10,000 to $50,000. Vice Chairpersons will receive $40,000, up from $5000, while Councillors will receive $30,000, compared to the previous $3000.