Quality of public services ‘top priority’

The government, while working on the state budget for fiscal years 2021-2022, prioritised the interest of citizens and the higher interest of the nation above all else, Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said.

Reducing government expenditures in the budget clearly shows that the government started with itself by reducing its expenses while continuing to improve the quality and efficiency of public services, to enhance its working mechanisms and develop its performance.

The minister stressed that when preparing the state’s budget for the next two fiscal years, consideration was accorded to maintaining social support for citizens in greatest need and commitment to achieve the objectives of the fiscal balance programme, mainly increasing non-oil revenues.

The Cabinet on Sunday approved a draft budget law and referred it to Parliament for approval, in accordance with legal and constitutional rules.

Shaikh Salman pointed out that the drop in global oil prices and the slowdown in economic activities due to the coronavirus pandemic required adaptation to the new facts.

This was reflected in the state budget for the next two fiscal years by adopting stimulating and supporting economic recovery and continuing to create promising opportunities for citizens in a way that contributes to achieving the goals of the Government Action Plan and building on previous achievements, he added.

The minister said he was looking forward to enhancing positive co-operation and joint work under the one-team spirit between the executive and legislative branches to approve the budget to achieve goals and preserve the rights of citizens.

Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/896598/Quality-of-public-services-%E2%80%98top-priority%E2%80%99