MPs seek to double Bahraini families’ Ramadan allowance

MPs are seeking to double anti-inflation allowance for Bahraini families during Ramadan to help them cope with rise in expenses during the holy month.They have also unanimously approved an urgent proposal to provide the increased allowances on March 15, with Ramadan expected to start on March 23, subject to moon sighting.The proposal by five MPs led by Dr Abdulhakim Al Sheno will be reviewed by the Cabinet.

“Ramadan expenses are a huge burden on families,” Mr Al Sheno said in his proposal yesterday. “The government made surplus revenues last year, a part of which could be directed towards supporting needy families so that they can buy essential items and meet other demands during Ramadan,” he added. The MPs also requested the generous leadership to give a month’s wages as bonus to civil servants across the country.

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, had ordered that the allowance be doubled during the month of January to help Bahraini families cope with global inflation.Currently, families with monthly income below BD300 receive an allowance of BD110 while those who earn between BD300 and BD700 get BD77. Citizens taking home more than BD700 receive BD55 a month.MPs also unanimously approved an urgent proposal to beef up inspections on food items to ensure they adhere to safety norms during transportation and storage.

The plan has been referred to the Cabinet.Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro said the market was being monitored extensively at all stages to ensure prices were reasonable despite inflation caused by multiple factors. He was responding to questions by four MPs on the availability of essential commodities in Bahrain.Parliament public utilities and environment affairs committee vice-chairwoman Hanan Fardan alleged that Bahrainis were buying food and toiletries on loan, especially from cold stores owned and operated by expatriates. “Several Bahrainis are living in poverty and have no option but to buy items from small cold stores on loans,” she claimed.MPs also approved the following urgent proposals and referred them to the Cabinet for review:l Constructing a flyover from Janabiya Highway towards Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Highway (East Manama direction)l Connecting new areas in the Northern Governorate constituency 12 (Karzakan, Shahrakan, Luzi, Malkiya and Saddad) with sewage networks and providing more drainage tankers to tackle regular flooding.l

Handing out the second batch of compensations to Bahraini fishermen whose vessels, boats and equipment were seized outside terrestrial waters.l Giving permanent jobs to Bahrainis brought through ‘outsource’ contracts in ministries, government bodies and government-owned companies.

MPs have also approved a maritime and ports agreement with Oman and the 2021 closing financial statement for the Future Generations Fund and referred both to the Shura Council.Finance and National Economy Ministry Under-Secretary Yousif Humood denied accusations by MPs that Future Generations Fund employees, who were also ministry staff, received double wages.MPs rejected an urgent proposal on gender equality after acting Speaker Abdulnabi Salman stated that it was unclear.mohammed@gdnmedia.bh