The Shoura Council Sunday approved the formation of a committee to study a proposal for a five percent annual increase for retirees. The formation of the committee was approved by the Council's 128 members. The proposal was made by members Dr. Muhammad Abu Saq, Engineer Muhammad Al-Qauaihis and Yousif Al-Maymani. 124 members rejected a proposal by the Administration and Human Resources at the Council aiming to deny amendment to the civil and military retirement law that would include the five percent increase for retirees. The Council also discussed the Water, Facilities and Public Services committee's report regarding the production of bottled water and ice factories. The report places the Ministry of Water and Electricity in charge of water and ice-related businesses, including distribution. The ministry, according to the re-organization, will be in charge of issuing permits, while construction permits for such businesses will fall under the authority of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs.
