The minimum income for government employees in Sharjah has been increased to AED 20,000.
Ruler of Sharjah Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi announced an increase in salaries, saying that the revised salaries would be implemented from September.
Following the official announcement, 17,776 government employees will benefit from the salary increase. In addition, financial support has been increased for 6,652 families receiving social assistance.
The minimum income for 2,251 retired government employees in Sharjah has also been raised, while supplementary grants for another 5,300 retirees have been increased.
Sharjah authorities said the minimum income threshold was raised to better meet residents’ needs. Sheikh Sultan also encouraged Emirati citizens to avoid unnecessary debt while ensuring that their financial needs are addressed in view of rising living costs.
Authorities also appealed to parents to limit their children’s use of mobile phones and other electronic devices. According to officials, government facilities are being provided to promote healthy nutrition and better upbringing for children.
In a separate development, the Punjab government directed companies working under the Suthra Punjab programme to pay their workers before the 5th of every month, warning of strict action over delays.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif issued the orders while reviewing the performance of sanitation operations across the province.
According to the government, 149 out of 151 companies operating under the programme have paid their workers’ salaries following the chief minister’s instructions.
Maryam Nawaz also ordered action against companies that failed to pay workers in Rojhan, Rajanpur, and Chobara, Layyah.
The chief minister called for strict legal action over negligence and suspected financial irregularities. She said the government would not tolerate corruption, delays or poor performance under the Suthra Punjab programme.
“People cannot be paid salaries for simply sitting in offices,” Maryam said, stressing that all employees must perform their duties in the field.
Also Read, Maryam Aurangzeb announces bonus for Suthra Punjab workers
Earlier, Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb announced that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved a cash reward of Rs10,000 for each worker participating in the Suthra Punjab sanitation campaign.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore alongside Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique, Aurangzeb said more than 41,000 people contacted the official helpline during Eidul Adha.
She said sanitation teams continued their work despite harsh weather and helped keep cities and towns clean across Punjab.