KUWAIT CITY, July 14: The Handicapped Affairs Committee at the Parliament discussed Wednesday reasons behind the delayed implementation of the Handicapped Law in the presence of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor undersecretary, in addition to representatives from the Public Authority for Social Security (PASS) and Credit and Savings Bank (CSB).
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, panel member MP Ali Al-Deqbasi said the government has failed to justify the delayed implementation of the law, which was supposed to take effect on May 28.
He derided the ministry for attributing the delay to its busy schedule and short grace period given by the Parliament.
He affirmed the panel outrightly rejected these excuses and demanded quick implementation of the law to protect the rights of the handicapped.
Stating the CSB and PASS have given similar excuses, Al-Deqbasi warned the government’s failure to implement the law within the agreed period may strain its relations with the legislature.
On the other hand, Committee Chairman Musallam Al-Barrak expressed his disappointment over the delayed enforcement of the law and issuance of bylaws.
He pointed out the panel has given the relevant authorities a grace period of six months to complete the procedures for the implementation of the law, but the government rejected it and demanded three months only.
Al-Barrak added the panel had earlier asked CSB to grant KD10,000 to the handicapped but the bank refused on grounds that the money will not be refunded.
He emphasized the need to grant this money now to meet the requirements of the handicapped.
In spite of the fact that the bank’s response to the issue is unacceptable for the committee, Al-Barrak affirmed the panel still thanked the bank for its cooperation, especially since its legal affairs director has promised to discuss the committee’s observations with other CSB officials.