MUSCAT: A new ministerial decision has been made to regulate 63 social development committees (SDCs) and 64 volunteer teams across the governorates in the Sultanate of Oman.
These committees and teams are set to play a vital role in promoting Omani values and identity, fostering community cohesion, and supporting efforts to mitigate emergencies through coordinated local initiatives.
Each wilayat will have an SDC formed by ministerial decision, headed by the governor.
Members include representatives from the Departments of Social Development, Education, Health, Housing and Urban Planning, Awqaf and Religious Affairs, the municipality, the Omani Women’s Association, local sports clubs, and volunteer teams.
These committees will be tasked with proposing and implementing social projects, supporting volunteer work, improving living standards, and addressing negative social phenomena.
The SDCs will collaborate with municipal councils, associations, and civil institutions to identify and execute programmes that benefit the community.
They will also focus on income-generating projects for low-income individuals and those with disabilities. Community representatives can be nominated to the committee, with membership lasting four years and the possibility of re-nomination.
The Committee members must be Omani citizens, at least 25 years old, and of good standing. They should have a clean legal record, not hold memberships in other committees or councils, and possess a suitable cultural background and practical experience. They are also expected to have a history of social initiatives and an interest in volunteer work.
The financial and regulatory aspects of the committees' work have been addressed in the new regulations. The committees will support the Ministry of Social Development in overseeing social construction projects funded by the private sector.
Additionally, each wilayat can establish one volunteer team, which will operate under the SDC’s supervision and adhere to an internal system approved by the ministry. The team’s board of directors, selected by the committee, will manage its activities within the wilayat’s geographical scope.
These regulations aim to enhance community involvement and ensure that social development efforts are well-coordinated and effectively implemented across Oman.
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