MP Khorshid to submit proposal which aims to ‘reform subsidies’
‘Need to abide by rules, regulation on leave’
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 5: Chairman of the parliamentary Finance Committee MP Salah Khorshid revealed that he will soon submit a draft bill, which will play a vital role in reforming subsidies and ensure that it is directed to the beneficiaries and also motivate citizens to rationalize spending, reports Al-Rai daily.
MP Khorshid disclosed that the proposed bill, which will be supported by a large number of MPs, is based on the idea of giving the citizen a “subsidy card” whose balance is based on average consumption of consumer goods and fuel. He said the card will contain ration items, water and electricity bills and fuel prices. He explained that it is not harmful if some deputies had made similar proposals.
He stressed that beneficiaries of the subsidy card will be allocated in coordination with the Public Authority for Civil Information to specify the categories covered provided that each eligible citizen will be given a balance of his average consumption, which is inclusive of all his needs, and not a condition that he uses the amount in his entire balance. The subsidy will be transferred to the credit of the citizen’s bank while the card will be a factor for rationalization, savings and fixing of subsidies.
He stressed the need to rationalize the subsidy while ensuring it goes to the deserved citizens who are on low and middle income, because these are the priority to get support. This is especially important since they need it to enable them to overcome the exorbitant price and living requirements. He pointed out that the proposal to be submitted will be in view of economic reforms, rationalization and provision.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Health Undersecretary Dr Mostafa Reddah issued a circular to assistant undersecretaries, directors of health districts, directors of central departments, directors of general hospitals and specialized centers, and deputies of the directors of hospitals and specialized centers on the need to abide by the rules and regulations regarding leave days of those occupying supervisory positions; indicating that per leave period should not exceed two weeks and not more than 90 days in a year, reports Al-Jarida daily.
The circular also emphasized the need to arrange leave periods of those occupying supervisory positions to ensure smooth work flow during these periods. In the meantime, the government and National Assembly have no plan to take into consideration the loans write off proposal, reports Al-Anba daily quoting sources.
Sources vehemently denied rumors on the alleged plan of the executive and legislative authorities to consider the loans write off proposal.
Sources said the two authorities were surprised as the call for writing off loans is being linked to the principle of ensuring justice for everyone.
Sources reiterated the two authorities have no intention to take such step, while pointing out that the rate of loan payments has so far exceeded 98 percent.