Minister of Social Affairs discusses with heads of cooperative societies' boards developing work and upgrading services for shareholders
Kuwait City, Oct 4 (KUNA) -- Dr. Amthal Al-Huwail, Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood, held a meeting with the chairs of the boards of directors of cooperative societies to discuss several issues related to developing cooperative work and enhancing the services provided to shareholders and residents of the areas.
During the meeting, which was attended by Mariam Awad, the appointed director of the Union of Cooperative Societies, and members of the committee for unifying the visual identity, Al-Huwail stressed the importance of accelerating the implementation of the unified visual identity for the societies following the official adoption and registration of their logo. She noted that standardizing the external appearance contributes to improving society facilities and elevating the overall look of the areas, emphasizing the need to complete the canopy modification works in the societies and monitor their implementation in accordance with the approved identity.
She highlighted the importance of finalizing the preparation of organizational structures and salary scales in a manner that considers the needs and capacities of the societies, supports job stability, and bolsters efforts toward the Kuwaitization of the workforce. She further pointed out that development plans should facilitate access and movement within cooperative societies for persons with disabilities and the elderly, and adapt facilities and services to meet their needs, providing them with a shopping experience that is easier, safer, and more independent.
Al-Huwail called on the boards of directors to pay attention to the cleanliness, maintenance, and upkeep of the societies and their facilities, to monitor the availability of goods and compliance with price regulations, and to work on addressing observations and deficiencies promptly. She affirmed the responsibility of the boards of directors to make sound decisions, protect shareholders’ funds, preserve them, and grow them, while achieving the best possible returns for them and continuing to provide services that meet their needs and those of the local communities.
She stressed the importance of adhering to transparency and integrity, avoiding conflicts of interest, and ensuring the safety of procurement, supply, and contracting procedures, as well as the management of investment branches in accordance with laws and regulations. She clarified that the Ministry’s oversight aims to support cooperative work, verify compliance with laws, decisions, and regulations, and address deficiencies before they escalate. She noted that legal measures, including dissolution, dismissal, or referral to the Public Prosecution, are taken only when warranted and are not an end in themselves.
Al-Huwail stated that the Ministry will continue its ongoing supervision and follow-up of the societies’ operations and will not tolerate any violations or transgressions proven in accordance with legal procedures, in order to protect shareholders’ funds and ensure compliance with the laws and regulations governing cooperative work.
She emphasized the importance of monitoring the performance of appointed managers and board members, and the necessity of submitting periodic reports detailing achievements, addressed observations, and obstacles faced, enabling the Ministry to follow up on operations and support them in fulfilling their responsibilities.
She noted the Ministry’s commitment to cooperating with the societies and facilitating necessary procedures to accomplish priorities, highlighting the political leadership’s keen interest and care for the cooperative sector, recognizing its role in serving citizens and contributing to societal development.
She called for continued joint efforts to achieve the interests of the societies and their shareholders, contribute to the development of cooperative work, and enhance the status and reputation of the State of Kuwait in this field. (End) F.R. / A.M.H.
