Bahraini MPs unanimously approve BD20 monthly allocation for each child

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Bahrain Council of Representatives has unanimously approved a groundbreaking proposal providing a monthly allocation of BD20 for each Bahraini child, with a maximum cap of four children.

Submitted by MPs Mohamed Al Ahmed, Mohamed Al Riffae, Ahmed Qarata, Mohamed Al Husaini, and Muneer Seroor, the proposal marks an advancement in the Kingdom’s commitment to the welfare and growth of its citizens towards empowering families and investing in future generations.

The primary objective of this programme is to alleviate economic burdens on families, enabling them to better address their children’s educational, healthcare, and overall well-being needs.

Transparency and accountability were pledged by the MPs to govern the allocation process, ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of resources, with the ultimate objective of cultivating a resilient and thriving community where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

This pioneering initiative draws inspiration from the 2022 legislation passed by the German Bundestag, which introduced a monthly payment of 250 euros per child from the Familienkasse, with a limit of three children.

Positive impact

Following a similar approach, the UAE government enacted a comparable statute in July 2022, providing parental subsidies for up to three children.

Encouragingly, numerous countries have adopted similar legislation, recognising the positive impact of such measures.

According to data released by the Information and eGovernment Authority, the estimated annual cost of implementing this initiative is projected to be approximately BD62.89 million.

This investment reflects Bahrain’s commitment to the well-being of its citizens and underscores the government’s proactive approach to supporting families and securing a prosperous future for all.

Concerns

However, the Ministry of Finance and National Economy has voiced concerns regarding the proposed legislation.

Their statement points to potential conflicts with the government’s goal of achieving economic balance within the current year, emphasising the need for judicious spending.

The Ministry also highlights alternative government actions aimed at reducing poverty and supporting families, suggesting a need for a balanced approach to fiscal policy.