Minister assures aid to low-income citizens

Information and Parliament Affairs Minister Isa bin Abdulrahman Al Hammadi informed that the government would not retract on the issue of defrayal of high-cost-of-living allowance.

Quoting from the clause on economic empowerment of low-income individuals and families as part of the Government Action Plan 2015-2018 that stipulates “the continuous defrayal of the high-cost-of-living allowance,” Al Hammadi assured the Council of Representatives about the continuation of defrayal of high-cost-of-living allowance.  He confirmed this following the discussion of a proposed high-cost-of-living allowance bill during the Council’s session yesterday.

The Minister said the government sought through the projects and programmes linked with the Social Security clause to improve the standard of living to individuals and families, emphasising the importance of this financial support reaching its intended eligible beneficiaries.

During the session, Al Hammadi said that the Government Action Plan 2015-2018 included a clear clause stipulating the economic empowerment of low-income individuals and families and affirming the continuation of payment of high-cost-of-living allowance. “There is no fear of the government’s retreating from payment of the cost-of-living allowance.”

“We request the honourable committee to take the opinion of the relevant body regarding the conditions for eligibility of low-income individuals and families to financial support,” he said.

“Emanating from keenness that support reaches the eligible beneficiaries, there are a host of conditions, including that the total monthly income should not exceed one thousand dinars. Also, calculable income includes assistance from the Royal Charity Organisation and social assistance under the Social Security Law,” he explained.

“We request the honourable committee to take the opinion of the relevant bodies- the Ministry of Labour and Social Development- whose opinion has not been taken in this respect,” Al Hammadi added.