KUWAIT CITY, March 26: Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor reneged on its undertaking to retrieve KD 438,000 in aid given to some 246 individuals who did not deserve social support, reports Al-Rai daily.

An informed source said KD 437,794 was added to previous carried over balance of the total debts of 1,591 beneficiaries who undeservingly received social allowance estimated at KD 2.5 million.

The same source pointed out that a team formed to revise the old files discovered that 264 files do not have to pay back, and expected the debts will reach KD 3 million. He also said those undeserving of social allowance will be referred to the Legal Department and then notified about their debts, indicating those who decline to pay back their debts will be referred to the Fatwa and Legislation Department for legal action.

The source explained that debtors who are public officials will be addressed through the relevant authorities to cut the sum from their monthly salaries. He said the ministry will open an office affiliated to the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) within the directorate of Family Care to check the files and ensure the authenticity of inserted data before the deduction of debts begin.

He added the sector in coordination with 20 different authorities will facilitate retrieval of required information via automation system.