CSC asked to cut number of govt panels – MP confirms issuance of directive to halt decision to reduce subsidies

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KUWAIT CITY, Feb 6: The Ministers Council has asked the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to minimize the number of governmental committees and to stop meetings outside the official working hours unless it is extremely necessary, reports Al-Jarida daily quoting sources.

Sources explained this is part of efforts to rationalize public spending and stop the wastage of public funds, considering these committees and special meetings cost the State KD 50 million annually. Sources said the council has also requested for changing the names of these committees into periodical meetings, while a committee should not be formed only through the minister’s decision and meetings must be held during official working hours to reduce the budget allocated for them. Sources pointed out the council also stressed that members of any committee should not get an allowance unless they personally sign the attendance sheet during meetings.

Sources disclosed this is in response to the State Audit Bureau’s (SAB) report about many officials, who are part of committees, receiving allowances for meetings even if they don’t attend. In cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, CSC and the Fatwa and Legislation Department; the council is now looking into the possibility of reducing bonuses granted to ministers and other officials as pointed out by SAB in its latest report.

Meanwhile, Rapporteur of the Parliamentary Priorities Committee MP Ahmad Lari has confirmed the issuance of a directive to suspend the implementation of a decision to reduce subsidies three months prior to the date it was taken in order to allow the government to lay down a clear vision and alternatives, reports Al-Rai daily.

In a press statement, Lari also called for the cancellation of the pre-assessment on governmental projects to eliminate bureaucracy that blocks work procedures, indicating there should be supervision on the technical side. He pointed out the continuous oil price decline obliges the government to reconsider the development plan for 2015-2019, because rationalization of expenditures should come with a plan on coping with the new budget.

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