Top priority to human resources

MUSCAT — This year’s budget continues its expansionary vision despite the challenges, such as maintaining high growth rate and the ability to rein in inflation.

This is in addition to the risks related to fluctuating oil prices, which is considered the main source of the country’s revenues, but it was previously able to move forward on the path of prosperity and meet the needs of the citizens.

A report by Oman Arab Bank (OAB) noted that this has been proved by the announcement of the provision of more than 96,000 jobs in 2011 and planning to provide jobs to 36,000 nationals this year, which would undoubtedly be an additional burden and a challenge to the financial resources of the country.

The budget shows a revenue growth of RO 8.8 billion, up by 20.8 per cent compared to 2011 which was RO 7.28 billion.

Majlis Ash’shura discusses citizens’ requests on various proposals including government projects for small firms

MUSCAT — The Majlis Ash’shura discussed a request submitted by citizens to amend the calculation of gratuity or end of service grant of employees to be counted as full salary multiplied by all years of service in public departments.

The Majlis Ash’shura Office, which met here yesterday, also discussed some citizens’ request to give small companies an opportunity to work within government projects awarded to major companies.

The Majlis Office’s ninth regular meeting of its first annual sitting (2011-2012) of the Seventh Term was presided over by Shaikh Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali, Chairman of the Majlis Ash’shura, in the presence of members of the Office and Secretary-general of Majlis.