Muscat – The Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) will soon announce the formation of an association to help debtors and another to facilitate marriages.

Addressing the Majlis A’Shura on Monday, H E Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, also stated that the ministry disbursed more than RO24mn to support families affected by Cyclone Shaheen.

MoSD is also exerting efforts to include thousands of eligible families, who have not registered, in the National Subsidy System.

H E Laila informed that 37,215 families that are eligible for subsidy have not registered in the National Subsidy System.

MoSD is following up the issue of electricity and water tariffs for families not registered in the subsidy system and all departments affiliated to the ministry in all governorates have been directed to guide these families to register so that they can get subsidised electricity and water.

H E Laila told Majlis A’Shura that MoSD has been dealing with several cases who are unable to pay their utility bills due to the current economic situation. “They are assisted by disbursing an emergency fund,” she said.

H E Laila called on all eligible families to register for the subsidy programme initiated by MoSD.

She informed that immediate financial assistance was provided to 33,687 Cyclone Shaheen victims who applied for help following damages to their homes and properties in Mussanah, Suwaiq, Khabourah and Saham. A total of RO16.91mn was disbursed to 16,913 families whose homes were fully damaged in the cyclone; RO7.29mn given to 14,580 people whose houses were partially affected.

“The ministry also provided financial and housing assistance worth RO17.48mn to 288,940 families in 2021.”

Help for debtors

The Al Gharimeen Charity Association will help debtors who are unable to repay loans. “The Assistant Mufti of Oman has taken cognisance. Work is underway to make an announcement soon. Measures will be put in place to prevent duplication with other associations working for the same cause.”

Association to facilitate marriages

“Articles of the association have been framed and we hope to announce it soon,” H E Laila said.

Addressing concerns about the lack of specialist in physiotherapy for people with disabilities, the minister urged Omanis to pursue studies in these speciality subjects.