KUWAIT: The Cabinet examined the recommendations of the Economic Affairs Committee meeting regarding the financial observer office report for the fiscal year 2019-2020. This came during the Cabinet's weekly meeting Monday, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.
The Economic Affairs Committee's chairwoman, Minister of Social Affairs and the State Minister for Economic Affairs Mariam Al-Aqeel, briefed ministers on means to address the deficiencies mentioned in the various government agencies. The Cabinet assigned its ministers to monitor observations recorded by the Financial Supervisory Authority on its affiliated bodies, and to take the necessary measures against those who prove their negligence or in violation.
It also assigned the Civil Service Commission, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance, the Financial Observers Authority and the authorities it deems appropriate, to carry out several matters. These include linking the renewal of the positions of senior officials to clear measurement performance indicators, which measure the extent of compliance with financial laws and instructions, the extent of compliance with the requirements of the development plan and the number and type of violations recorded by authorities.
Also, reassessing texts regulating administrative and financial work, taking into consideration the public interest and safeguarding state funds, along with a commitment to prevent the appointment of officials in financial affairs, who lack the sufficient expertise.
The Cabinet also discussed the committee's recommendations regarding the Ministry of Finance's request to transfer COVID-19 state quarantine and meal expenses to the budget of the Ministry of Health, with the Cabinet deciding that the Ministry of Finance would continue to bear these costs, in coordination with the Ministry of Health. It also allowed the Ministry of Health to use the Kuwait International Fairgrounds, during the pandemic, free of charge for the matter. - KUNA