The Shoura Council rejected a proposal to extend the work schedule in the public sector establishments by one hour.

Shoura members declined the proposal at the 24th session of the council, after listening to a report submitted by the Committee on Administration, Human Resources on the proposed amendment.

The house felt that the extension of working hours will raise the costs of maintenance and energy consumption in government buildings as well as traffic jam in major cities.

The members called for increased productivity of employees instead of increasing working hours. While commenting on the proposed amendment, a member wondered why the committee supported it if it lacked a thorough study.

The Shoura has meanwhile approved a draft study on amendments on Article 13 of the Civil Service system, which will allow a government employee to engage in business or partner with others to set up companies.

Shoura Council Assistant Speaker Dr. Yahya bin Abdullah Al-Samaan said the approval of the amendments followed deliberations on a report made by the Committee on Administration, Human Resources.

The amendments are reportedly meant to curb cover-up business (tasattur) and improve the living conditions of government employees by helping them find other sources of income.

Calling on the Board of Grievances to approve the principles of judiciary, the council discussed a report of the Committee on Islamic, Judiciary Affairs. The discussion came in light after the annual report of the Board of Grievances tabled for the year 1434-1435, which was read out by the Committee Vice Chairman Dr. Faleh Al-Sughier.

The council members also called on the Board of Grievances to give data and statistics on the number of the cases made against or for the government agencies and asked the board to prepare performance reports.

Later, the council approved the national strategy for housing recommended by the Committee on Haj, Housing and Services.

The committee recommended the provision of housing units to the people with special needs, widows, orphans, and divorcees.

The committee also recommended updating the national strategy every five years to cope with the new developments.

Commenting on the report, a member said the strategy should focus on decreasing housing costs in a way that should not exceed 20 percent of the citizen’s income.

Another member said nearly 80 percent of the Saudi families cannot bear the costs of housing units that exceed 200 square meters and called on provisions for smaller housing units to suit with the larger portion of population.