NEW beneficiaries such as ‘victims of economic and financial circumstances’ could become eligible for social aid.
The Shura Council is set to vote, during its weekly session on Sunday, on an amendment to the 2006 Social Security Law that would give the Prime Minister the power to expand the social aid list following a presentation by the Social Development Minister.
Those currently covered include families, widows, divorcees, abandoned women, the elderly, relatives of prisoners, people with disabilities, those incapable of work, unmarried girls, young boys and orphans.
The same legislation, presented by former MPs, was withdrawn last year following a stalemate on whether it should be given the go-ahead or thrown out in line with the Shura Council services committee’s recommendation to reject it.
However, the committee has now changed its recommendation, urging members to vote in favour.
The government continues to maintain that the amendment would breach the 2002 National Budget Law which calls for exact spending.
Committee chairwoman Hala Fayez said that the budget for social welfare is flexible, depending on the number of eligible beneficiaries which keeps changing.
“It is a constitutional duty of the government to provide assistance to nationals in times of need,” she said.
“Social aid should be given to any national who doesn’t have a regular source of income to meet his and his family’s needs.
“However, there are cases which don’t fall under the current categories but need social aid, such as ‘victims of economic and financial circumstances’.”
She explained that the new approach doesn’t force the state into giving aid to ineligible individuals or families; it gives it flexibility to consider humanitarian cases.”
Social Development Minister Osama Al Asfoor told MPs earlier this month that 17,341 Bahrainis are living below the ‘line of basic life needs’ which continues to be calculated at BD336, determined following a comprehensive study in 2013.
Monthly aid per individual is BD77 and for a couple it is BD132, with BD28 given for each additional member.
This aid is doubled for Ramadan.
The individuals or families also receive monthly discounts ranging between BD10 and BD20 on their utility bills.
The minister said those receiving these payments and support were also automatically included in general social welfare like the anti-inflation and meat allowances.
He further explained that people with disabilities or their families receive BD100 monthly.
Meanwhile, the upper chamber of the National Assembly will be notified of a written reply by Education Minister Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma to a question on safety procedures and guarantees in schools during accidents and emergencies.
“Several measures are being taken to ensure a safe education environment that includes stickers, banners and brochures being posted on a regular basis at all educational establishments,” said Dr Juma.
“Also administrators, teachers, faculty and students are also involved in regular drills besides being trained and educated on accidents and emergencies’ manuals being presented by the Interior Ministry.
“In case of fire, for example, parents are alerted via SMS, WhatsApp, emails or any other means available with the General Directorate of Civil Defence.
“As a precautionary step, schools are being equipped with 9,836 fire extinguishers besides fire pumps, hose reel systems, dry risers and sprinklers.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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