Parliament is gearing up to vote on a contentious proposal to provide Bahraini students in government and private schools with BD80 at the start of the academic year and BD30 every month, including during summer and spring vacations.
The initiative, spearheaded by five MPs led by Jalal Kadhem Al Mahfoodh, has sparked heated debates with concerns being raised over the financial implications and feasibility of the plan.
The proposal involves amending the 2006 Future Generations Fund Law to finance the allowances.
However, the financial and economic affairs committee, chaired by MP Ahmed Al Salloom, has recommended rejecting the amendments, citing significant economic concerns.
According to Education Minister Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma, there are 137,696 Bahraini students in government schools and 40,676 Bahraini students in private schools.
“The proposal may have good intentions, but it comes with an annual cost of $133 million, which would place an enormous strain on the government’s savings,” said Mr Al Salloom.
“This amount would drain the Future Generations Fund, a resource meant to safeguard Bahrain’s economic stability for decades to come.
“Diverting resources from the Future Generations Fund to finance the scheme could jeopardise the country’s long-term economic security.
“The fund was established to ensure financial stability for Bahraini generations by investing oil revenues into sustainable assets.
“This is not just about the present financial burden, it’s about the future of Bahrain’s economy.”
Mr Al Salloom, who is Bahrain Chamber board member, said draining the fund for monthly allowances to students, especially during vacations, undermines its purpose.
Despite the criticism, proponents of the initiative argue that it aims to ease the financial burden on Bahraini families, especially those with limited incomes.
“This proposal is about supporting our children and investing in their futures,” said Mr Al Mahfoodh. “Education is the foundation of a strong and prosperous nation, and we must do everything we can to support our students.
“Families are struggling with the rising cost of living. This allowance could provide much-needed relief and ensure students have the resources they need to succeed.”
Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said the proposal contradicted formation policies of the Future Development Fund.
“Savings are made to be spent at a time of need,” he said.
MPs are also set to vote on a proposed amendment to the 1976 Social Insurance Law presented by Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee vice-chairman Mohammed Al Marafi that would see deductions for loans borrowed from pensions before retirement not exceeding BD150 a month.
The Social Insurance Organisation (SIO) has raised objections, saying that calculations are made according to existing wages, potential pensions and flow of payments.
MPs are also set to vote on forming a committee to probe the effectiveness of housing plans and programmes provided by the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry.
The request by eight MPs is spearheaded by Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Mohammed Al Bulooshi.
Requests for two open debates will also be voted on.
The first by 10 MPs, led by Mr Al Mahfoodh, focuses on under-aged children of divorced parents allegedly facing trouble getting government services.
The second by 10 MPs, led by Dr Ali Al Nuaimi, focuses on government services in the Southern Governorate.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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