KUWAIT CITY, Aug 14: The weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers took place on Monday morning at Seif Palace, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister. Following the session, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, Essa Ahmed Al-Kandari, provided a summary of the proceedings.

During the meeting, the Council of Ministers endorsed the proposal presented by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Talal Khaled Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, with the support of Minister of Commerce and Industry and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Mohammed Othman Al-Aiban.

The proposal centered on granting social allowances and children's allowances (support for national employment) to individuals engaged in SME (Small and Medium Enterprises) and specialized activities. An amendment was made to Cabinet Resolution No. 391 of 2001, introducing a new provision, which specifies eligibility criteria for SME and individuals engaged in specialized activities as determined by the Minister of Commerce and Industry.

Alongside the stipulated conditions in Article 5 of this resolution, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is required to furnish periodic reports to the Public Authority for Manpower regarding beneficiaries' compliance with the decision's provisions and authorized activities. This amendment aims to enhance Kuwait's business environment, encourage youth participation in SME, and alleviate financial pressures on the state while reducing the demand for positions within the Civil Service Bureau.

Continuing the session, the Cabinet reviewed reports presented by Sheikh Ahmad Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Head of the Government Performance Follow-up Agency, along with several leaders from the agency. The reports encompassed various subjects, including the progress of government projects, outcomes of a public opinion poll conducted to enhance service quality within specific government entities, the Audit Bureau's assessment of the 2022-2023 fiscal year budget implementation, and recommendations from the agency aimed at enhancing ministries' and government agencies' performance and rectifying deficiencies.

In response, the Council of Ministers resolved to task all ministries and government agencies with addressing observations and implementing recommendations outlined in the reports. This directive is geared towards elevating the overall level of government performance.

Moreover, the Cabinet examined a report detailing collaborative efforts between the agency and relevant authorities to find solutions for sewage and rainwater collection in the residential city of Sabah Al-Ahmad. The report highlighted measures taken to mitigate environmental concerns arising from the accumulation of polluted water. Additionally, the Council reviewed progress regarding government entities' initiatives to address shortcomings within the Darwazat Al-Abd Al-Razzaq Tunnel and expedite effective solutions.

Furthermore, the Council discussed legal, legislative, technical, and procedural solutions devised in collaboration with governmental and oversight bodies to streamline contracting procedures across state agencies. These measures aim to accelerate project implementation in alignment with the nation's development and recreational plans.

Commending the extensive efforts of Sheikh Ahmad Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Head of the Governmental Performance Follow-up Agency, and the entire agency staff, the Council of Ministers lauded the preparation of these reports, findings, and recommendations. These contributions serve to enhance project quality and services, ultimately benefiting the nation and its citizens.