Parliament is set to debate amendments to a law that would ensure 50 per cent discounts on all government fees for the elderly across the country.
They would also be entitled to discounts of no less than 50pc on all government services besides other deductions from companies and businesses seeking to support the move.
Amendments to the 2009 Elderly Rights’ Law will be debated during Parliament’s first session of the New Year on Tuesday.
The Cabinet has asked for a rethink, telling MPs in writing that such discounts were already being given to the elderly in certain government services, especially traffic.
It also pointed out that decisions on expanding discounts should be left to the government to ensure it properly manages revenues without harming its Fiscal Balancing Programme.
“Parliament has not presented a feasibility study on the proposal,” the Cabinet said.
“We are already offering discounts on services wherever applicable for the elderly.”
The Social Development Ministry has rejected the move, backing the Cabinet’s explanation in entirety.
However, the Bahrain Society for the Care of Parents said in writing that it was time for the government to provide 50pc discount on all services it currently provides, rather than select a few, for the elderly.
Al Hekma Retired Society asked MPs to amend the clause ‘all government services’ to “all services determined and updated by the Cabinet”.
MPs will also hold an open debate on provision of government services in the Northern Governorate.
The move by 10 legislators led by Jalal Kadhem focuses on seven aspects including the need for a general hospital and more health centres, elderly homes and more schools, amongst other services.
Meanwhile, MPs will discuss five topics postponed from last week’s session that was ended prematurely due to a verbal spat.
They are:
1. A proposed amendment to the 2014 Traffic Law to slash the five-year validity of a driving licence for an expatriate and align it with the expiry of their residence permits.
2. Proposed amendments to the 2000 Names, Surnames and Nicknames Court Procedures Law that would prevent people from contesting any name change or addition after five years.
3. A proposal to allocate BD20 a month for every child born into a Bahraini family until they turn 18 ... with the allotment applicable for up to four children per family.
4. A new legislation that would force independent government authorities and government-owned companies to achieve 100pc Bahrainisation within two years of the law being issued.
5. Proposed amendments to the 2001 Companies Law that would see Mumtalakat and affiliate companies losing their ‘special classification’ bringing them in line with any other firm in the country. This would require Mumtalakat and affiliates to make legal, technical and financial changes within three years of the law being issued.
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