MPs yesterday unanimously approved a ‘citizens’ discount card to ease the cost of living and now await the outcome of a Cabinet review of the proposal that has already faced top-level disapproval.
The move by MP Dr Ali Al Nuaimi aimed to provide discounted services across various sectors, including retail, education, healthcare, public administration, telecommunications and transportation.
The financial and economic affairs committee and the services committee endorsed the proposal of a card similarly structured to the existing Teacher’s Card that provides exclusive benefits and discounts for educators.
The proposal, parliament heard, had been driven by two key public interest considerations, firstly ‘economic relief’ for citizens and, secondly, ‘affordable accessibility’ to essential services.
Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa urged a reconsideration of the initiative due to its likely financial implications. MPs, however, ignored his advice.
“The Bahraini government already provides significant support to citizens through direct financial aid, subsidised services and welfare programmes,” he explained. “Essential services, including healthcare and education, are already free for Bahraini citizens, ensuring equitable access to fundamental needs.
“Several discounted services are already available to specific groups, such as reduced government fees for senior citizens in recognition of their contributions to the country.”
Offering across-the-board discounts on government services would lead to a reduction in non-oil revenues at a time when Bahrain is working to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil income.
“The government remains committed to ensuring a decent standard of living for all Bahrainis,” said Shaikh Salman. “However, the focus should be on sustainable programmes that do not compromise the country’s long-term financial stability.”
Meanwhile, MPs unanimously approved an amendment to the 1976 Housing Law granting Bahraini families on the housing waiting lists BD100 housing allowance from the date of application rather than after five years of waiting.
The proposal presented by MP Jalal Kadhem Al Mahfoodh was recommended for approval.
Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi told MPs that the current annual spending on the allowance was BD57 million and, if the suggested proposal was taken onboard, an extra BD10m would be needed in the first year alone.
It will be drafted as ‘proper law’ by the government before being referred back to the National Assembly for review.
And, a proposal also by Dr Al Nuaimi to exempt Bahrainis from paying annual vehicle registration fees has been postponed for two weeks to allow further scrutiny.
The proposed amendment to the 2014 Traffic Law was set for debate during yesterday’s weekly Parliament session.
Parliament’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee has recommended its rejection.
Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa urged a reconsideration of the proposal, citing several concerns related to the nature of state-imposed fees, their legal basis and the potential financial impact on the government’s budget and financial balance programme.
He added that the fees were deemed a ‘special service charge’, applicable only to specific individuals, namely, vehicle owners seeking to operate their vehicles on public roads.
“The fees are imposed not for profit but to recover costs associated with the service provided.”
Additionally, the minister noted that vehicle registration fees were uniformly applied to all individuals without discrimination.
“In recognition of the financial challenges faced by senior citizens, the government has already introduced fee reductions for this demographic, which grants senior citizens a 50 per cent exemption on fees for renewing vehicle registration and driver’s licences.
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