MUSCAT, APRIL 21
On Monday, the State Council, chaired by Shaikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council, convened to discuss the draft laws on the collection of state dues and the rights of persons with disabilities during the seventh session of the second term of the eighth legislative period.
The session commenced with speeches by the Council Chairman and Salim bin Musallam Qatan, Vice-President of the State Council, followed by discussions on the two key draft laws referred by the Council of Ministers. These discussions aimed to enhance the efficiency and outcomes of the legislative process, aligning with the nation's vision and public interest.
Dr Dhafer bin Awad al Shanfari, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Committee, outlined the need for a comprehensive legal framework to address the shortcomings of the previous system governing state dues.
The new law, which updates a nearly 30-year-old system, seeks to ensure a more efficient, transparent, and modern approach to collecting government dues while balancing the rights of the state and debtors. The law is expected to significantly strengthen the state's financial resources, benefiting public services and development projects.
Regarding the rights of persons with disabilities, Dr Mohammed bin Said al Hajri, Chairman of the Social and Cultural Committee, explained that the draft law guarantees civil, social, cultural, and other rights for persons with disabilities. The law aims to ensure their integration into society, promoting equal opportunities and non-discrimination. This law aligns with international conventions signed by Oman and represents a shift towards sustainable and integrated care, focusing on empowerment and equality for individuals with disabilities.
Dr Rashid bin Salem al Masroori and Dr Abdul Karim bin Ali al Lawati further emphasised the importance of these laws in protecting public funds and ensuring the rapid collection of state dues, as well as advancing the rights of persons with disabilities in accordance with international standards.
The session concluded with the review of the General Secretariat's report on the Council's activities.
The discussions also underscored the importance of these draft laws in shaping a more robust legislative framework in Oman. The proposed updates to the state dues collection system aim to modernise government financial procedures, enhancing efficiency and transparency.
Similarly, the draft law on disability rights is expected to have a transformative impact on the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities, ensuring their active participation in all aspects of society. Both initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to improving public welfare and fostering a more equitable and prosperous future for all citizens.
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