The government has shot down a parliamentary proposal to start the school day at 9am during Ramadan.
Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Minister Ghanim Al Buainain said flexible and shorter school timings were already in place during the holy month, with classes beginning at 8am for all levels and ending at 12.10pm for primary, 12.55pm for intermediate and 1.25pm for secondary.
The minister added that private schools and kindergartens already have shorter timings during Ramadan.
“Bus timings for government schools have also been changed accordingly,” Mr Buainain, who has been deputised to present a written reply on behalf of the Cabinet, pointed out.
Meanwhile, in another response to a proposal to double the monthly anti-inflation allowance for the holy month, the minister said the government had already increased the annual grant for needy families and those suffering from disabilities prior to Ramadan.
A proposal to defer loans for two months without interest or administrative charges for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr was also rejected with officials stating that banks were already offering such facilities.
Parliament is set to review government replies on 25 proposals during their weekly session on Tuesday.
* Legislators have submitted a proposal calling for measures to treat injured Palestinians in Gaza. The minister said several initiatives to build hospitals and other facilities were ongoing, in partnership with the Jordanian government, besides sending aid and other goods in line with directives from Bahrain’s leadership.
* In response to a proposal to have Amwaj Islands sewage network connected to the main public network, Mr Al Buainain said developers already had their own efficient system.
* The minister highlighted that the government was working on the complex Saraya Sanad private housing project in accordance with the law.
* In reply to a proposal to have free car parks in Salmaniya Medical Complex and other government facilities, Mr Al Buainain said as the contract renewal for SMC approaches, it will include free parking for hospital workers, blood donors and those suffering from certain medical conditions.
“We will have discounted rates for the elderly, those with disabilities and sickle cell patients,” he added.
* As for a proposal to establish Al Luzi Youth Centre, the minister said those interested could join many of the nearby 17 youth centres.
* With regard to a recommendation to help find suitable jobs for Bahrainis dismissed from a food delivery company that merged with another, the minister said efforts were underway to help the citizens. “The Bahrainis are also getting unemployment allowances as they wait for a new job,” he added.
* The government is working to address concerns over the rising sea level, he added, in response to a proposal on the matter. “There are measures and actions that we have taken and will take to tackle the global issue,” he said.
* As for a proposal to check Al Luzi area for underground channels, Mr Al Buainain said tests have revealed an incline owing to improper reclamation prior to construction.
* He revealed plans to build two mosques in Ras Hayyan.
* With regard to a proposal to not increase fees for students at private universities, the minister said the Higher Education Council was closely monitoring the matter.
“If fees need to be increased, then it would be only for freshmen and not for existing students,” he noted.
* In reply to other suggestions on measures to tackle heavy downpour, the minister said all road networks were being monitored and maintained to accommodate rainfall.
“In case homes or properties are affected, necessary compensations are given,” he said.
“An electronic grievance system will be soon launched to receive public complaints. We also have sufficient tankers under the government and through private companies to clear water from roads and properties in record time.”
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