MPs to discuss raising allowances for special-needs educators and support staff

TDT | Manama

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Parliament will debate a proposal on Tuesday to double the monthly allowance for staff working with persons with disabilities, raising payments to BD200 for teachers and specialists and BD 100 for general staff. The move would extend the benefit to all personnel performing these duties, including in integration classes.

The amended motion, submitted by MPs Mohammed Al Maarifi, Mohammed Al Refai, Jaleela Alawi, and Mohsen Al Asboul, follows an earlier version returned to committee in January 2024. The new text focuses on increasing the allowance and widening eligibility.

The Services Committee supports the proposal, noting it would recognise teachers and specialists who educate, rehabilitate, and care for students with special needs. The Financial and Economic Affairs Committee described the cost as an investment in human capital, noting additional funds would be required without affecting other approved budgets.

Currently, eligible staff receive BD50 or BD100 under Prime Ministerial Decision 77 of 2013. BD100 is paid to those with a Special Education diploma plus a bachelor’s, a bachelor’s in Special Education, or related degrees like physiotherapy or psychology. BD50 applies to general civil service staff performing relevant tasks. The Civil Service Bureau and Ministry of Education oversee allowance rules, while capacity-building initiatives include scholarships, workshops, and training programs.