Government outlines new measures in cooperative, charity, and disability sectors

Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah affirmed that the government is moving forward with broad reforms across cooperative societies, charitable organizations, and the Public Authority for Disability Affairs, stressing that the coming phase will be marked by transparency, accountability, and modernization.

She confirmed there is no intention to privatize cooperative societies, citing their strategic role in ensuring food and social security, stabilizing prices, and serving communities.

Al-Huwailah revealed the cooperative sales reached about 1.2 billion dinars in 2024, reflecting their economic importance. She noted that regulation of the sector is progressing at a deliberate pace, adding that it would be illogical to rush punitive measures against violators without thorough investigations, reports Al-Rai daily.

Instead, the ministry is working on governance reforms and preparing to launch a unified electronic platform enabling shareholders to access real-time reports on financial and administrative performance.

The minister explained that oversight of cooperatives will be strengthened through digital transformation, corporate governance, independent audits, and intensified field inspections. Shareholders will also be empowered through transparent disclosure measures, ensuring integrity in management and safeguarding shareholder funds.

Turning to charitable organizations, Al-Huwailah stressed that reforms in the sector aim to protect Kuwait’s reputation and ensure compliance with international standards. She explained that the legally mandated deduction from donations is not a burden, but a safeguard to help charities cover operational expenses and continue their work. Oversight responsibilities remain divided between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for projects abroad and the Ministry of Interior for domestic projects.

She highlighted that civil society and charitable institutions are essential partners in development and social solidarity. The ministry’s vision for the sector focuses on strengthening governance, engaging youth in volunteer work, and aligning charitable activities with Kuwait’s sustainable development goals.

Kuwait also seeks to meet international regulatory expectations, particularly in areas of financial transparency and tracking donations to their beneficiaries.

On the Disability Authority, Al-Huwailah affirmed that allegations of administrative or financial corruption are taken seriously and handled transparently. She announced that reforms have already achieved significant results, including monthly savings of 1.4 million dinars through file reviews. In recent months, 826 files were suspended after beneficiaries failed to update their data within the 60-day grace period, while 183 cases were reviewed for renewal, amendment, or rejection.

The minister also confirmed that a comprehensive review of the Disability Law is underway, aimed at enhancing services and ensuring fairness in granting benefits. She noted that medical committees, which had long suffered delays, now convene within three weeks, with results issued in just 10 days. Beneficiaries are notified promptly via text messages, reducing pressure on families.

In terms of essential services, Al-Huwailah reported that long-standing delays in providing wheelchairs have been resolved, and procedures to supply prosthetic devices, including wheelchairs and hearing aids, have been completed. Technical and legal committees now oversee procurement to ensure quality, transparency, and compliance with regulations.

She further underlined that Kuwait is committed to maintaining its leadership in organized charitable work, continuously updating its laws and procedures to match international standards while preserving its unique humanitarian values. “Our aim is not only to address challenges but to set a model for governance and transparency in cooperatives, charities, and disability services,” Al-Huwailah concluded.

Follow The Times Kuwait on
X, Instagram and Facebook for the latest news updates