CIVIL servants could be allowed to obtain commercial registrations (CRs) and start their own businesses in the market and online, if MPs have their way.
The Cabinet had earlier called for a rethink after it was forced to draft the legislation as part of the 2010 Civil Service Law following referral by Parliament.
It warned of a clear clash of interest and accountability related to dual legal obligations concerning government work and financial integrity.
The rethink call has, however, been disregarded by the eight-member legislative and legal affairs committee which has made an unanimous recommendation to give it the go-ahead.
“This will have negative repercussions on small and medium businesses and enterprises with civil servants who already earn an income competing unfairly with others who are purely dependent on revenues from their shops and outlets,” the government replied in writing.
“A civil servant will be thinking all the time about the progress and welfare of their business, which will affect productivity and given tasks,” it added.
“The law already allows civil servants to work part-time in businesses, but that’s after work hours, with it clearly not coming within their normal day duties in office.”
Meanwhile, the Cabinet has backed parliament-proposed amendments to the 1976 Housing Law that would give the Housing and Urban Planning Minister more rights to add new services, as well as introduce new criteria and more facilities specifically for low income families.
Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi backed the move, saying that it offered the much-needed flexibility.
MPs are also set to vote on holding an open debate on the minimum income for decent living.
Out of the 10 signatories, Parliament first deputy speaker Abdulnabi Salman will give an explanation on why it should be held.
“The living standards and the dinar’s purchase power is getting worse day by day, which has affected people’s ability to get needed goods and services,” claimed Mr Salman.
“The line of basic needs was drawn up around a decade ago and now it is not serving the public any good in the way allowances are distributed,” he added.
Social Development Minister Osama Al Asfoor had earlier asserted that a new ‘line of basic life needs’ was under study to replace the existing BD336.
He told MPs earlier this year that 17,430 Bahrainis were living below the current line.
The BD336 line, for families of six members and above, was set following a study in 2013.
Mr Al Asfoor explained that those receiving aid were also automatically included in general social welfare, like the anti-inflation and meat allowances. He added that people with disabilities or their families received BD100 monthly.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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