Omani Shura approves draft budget

The Majlis  Al Shura yesterday voted its approval of the Economic and Financial Committee\'s report on the State Draft Budget for the fiscal year 2013. Earlier, discussions were held between Majlis Al Shura members and Darwish bin Ismail Al Balushi, Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs. Meanwhile, the Majlis Al Shura also approved the axis and the proposed ministerial statements programmes for the second annual sitting (2012-2013) of the current term. During these meetings, the Majlis will host the Minsters of Civil Service, Social Development, Agriculture and Fisheries, Sports Affairs, Higher Education and Environment and Climate Affairs. During the session, the Majlis Office and the permanent committees were changed in light of the approval of the new internal by-law of the Majlis to keep pace with the legislative and audit powers granted to it. The major developments include increasing the number of permanent committees to nine instead of five: the committees are the legislative and legal committee, the economic and financial committee, the defence, security and foreign relations committee, health and environment committee, education and  scientific research committee, services and social development committee, youth and human resources committee, food and water security committee, media and culture committee. The Majlis decided to continue the current formation of its office till the current term as per the provision of Article 48 of the internal bylaw. Fourty-six members voted in favour of continuing the current formation while 24 members voted against and four members abstained. Times Of Oman