Gratuity extension, proposals in focus

The meeting reviewed the follow-up of its decisions taken in the previous meeting and discussed work progress in the institution’s different departments during the current sitting.

The top bureau also discussed a request from the committee of Services and Local Communities Development to conduct visits to governorates and wilayats of the Sultanate to pursue a study being conducted by the committee.

The Majlis Office reviewed a proposal from one of its members to reconsider administrative fees imposed by Oman Housing Bank.

Among the topics reviewed in yesterday’s session was a query made by a member of the Majlis to the Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs about the investment outcome of “sovereign funds” and their financial status.

The Majlis also looked into a letter from a member of the Majlis regarding process of dealing with complaints made by subscribers in Muscat Electricity Distribution Company.

Other topics discussed included developmental programme proposed by the International Republican Institute in the Sultanate, the 2010 annual report of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs and the participation of Majlis member Ni’ma bint Jamil al Busaidiya in a conference titled “Change in Muslim Societies and the Role of Women”, which was held in Istanbul last year.

The Majlis studied the outcome of a meeting held by the Majlis’s SecretaryGeneral with the Information Technology Authority’s Chief Executive Officers.

It is worth mentioning that the Royal Decree No 99/2011 widens the powers of Majlis Oman, which consists of Majlis Addawla and Majlis Ash’shura.

The members of the Majlises can take part in proposing laws and can also suggest changes in government regulations. The Council will also be able to grill ministers. — ONA