The Cabinet has approved the allocation of SR5 billion for constructing campus housing units for the teaching staff of universities. The allocation has already been added to this year's budget of the Ministry of Higher Education with the objective of speeding up the construction process. The allocation can be increased if needed. The Council of Ministers, at its weekly session here on Monday, endorsed the recommendation made in this regard by the permanent committee of the Supreme Economic Council, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said. King Abdullah presided over the Cabinet meeting. The Cabinet also approved a package of allowances and incentives for university teachers including payment of end of service benefits to those who have been in service for more than 20 years as full professors, associate professors, assistant professors and lecturers. The end of service for eligible staff will be calculated on the basis of the last salary multiplied by the number of years of service. King Abdullah extended his felicitations to the Kingdom and Arab and Muslim people on the occasion of the advent of the holy month of Ramadan. The Monarch highlighted the noble principles and great values of tolerance and cooperation Ramadan teaches. Dr. Saud Bin Saeed Al-Mathimi, Minister of State for Shoura Affairs and Acting Minister of Culture and Information, said King Abdullah briefed the Cabinet on his recent talks, contacts and consultations with leaders of states and representatives of international organizations focusing on the latest developments at all levels. The Cabinet underlined the visit made by the Qatari Emir to the Kingdom and the outcome of his meeting with King Abdullah to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries. Elaborating on measures to improve the service conditions of university teachers, Al-Mathimi said the recommendation also included payment of a rare specialties allowance. This monthly allowance which ranges between 20-40 percent will be calculated on the basis of the starting basic salary. It also includes a monthly allowance for university teachers working in the newly established universities. The 20-40 percent allowance will be paid on the basis of the starting basic salary. Apart from this, the recommendation stipulates payment of university education allowance at a rate of 25 percent of the basic starting salary for staff members who give the maximum number of lectures indicated on the lectures timetable. An allowance for distinguished achievement has also been approved and 10 percent of the basic starting salary will be given to those who have been awarded a local prize, 20 percent for a regional prize, 30 percent for international prizes and those having patented inventions will be given 40 percent of the starting basic salary. The Council approved a cooperation agreement between the Kingdom and Chad in the field of anti-terrorism and illicit trading in narcotics and mental stimulant drugs. Additionally, the Council endorsed the slashing of customs tariffs on exports of raw non-tanned leather by 20 percent on an annual basis to be completely cancelled in the fifth year. __
