‘19 executive measures adopted to reduce ministry’s expenditure’
Debts collected in coordination with PACI: Al-Fares
KUWAIT CITY, Sept 19: Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Muhammad Al-Fares was quoted as saying he adopted 19 executive measures to reduce the ministry’s expenditure in line with State policy and decisions of the Civil Service Commission (CSC).
In response to parliamentary questions concerning excessive expenditure of the ministry, Al-Fares said the ministry reviews report of State Audit Bureau concerning contracting companies violating regulations and terms of contracts in order to deduct relevant fines.
Al-Fares pointed out that the ministry collects debts in coordination with the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) by asking for address of the debtor before contacting Civil Service Commission and the Public Institute for Social Security to deduct the balance due from the debtor’s indemnity.
He added relevant official bodies are also notified about the deduction of arrears from debtor’s salary and transferring the sum to the ministry’s account.
He noted the ministry addresses the Government and Manpower Reconstruction Program for the same purpose before deducting and transferring debts to the ministry’s account.
He reiterated the ministry notifies the Fatwa and Legislation Department to take necessary steps to file lawsuits against debtors in case the above-stated authorities decline to act. He added the ministry implemented measures to prevent accumulation of new debts as per Decision No. 19/2016. He pointed out that strict decisions have since been taken to activate the criteria of selecting the beneficiaries of excellent performance allowance.
Minister of Justice and State Minister for National Assembly Affairs Dr Faleh Azab confirmed the launching of several internet and smart phone applications for various services within this week, reports AlAnba daily.
Speaking to the daily, Azab disclosed these online applications will ease procedures, expedite completion of transactions and prevent crowding in the concerned departments.
He also unveiled a plan to offer a tender to companies specialized in electronic services for the importation of smart services devices which will be distributed to the courts and departments in the ministry.
Talking about the smart service kiosk which opened in August at the Ministries Complex, Azab said the kiosk offers 75 electronic services through which the citizens and residents can download forms and process transactions.