(MENAFN- Jordan Times) The Jordan Armed Forces (JAF) on Sunday announced austerity measures to ease the burden on the Kingdom's budget, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff Lt. Gen. Mashal Al Zaben and officers with the rank of major general will give 15 per cent of their salaries to the treasury, for six months starting the end of May.
The decision was taken as a contribution to efforts aimed to address the Kingdom's difficult economic conditions to help narrow the budget deficit, according to a statement carried by Petra.
The measures are in line with the procedures taken by the government, the statement said.
The Cabinet on Saturday endorsed a package of austerity and financial reform measures expected to save up to JD300 million as part of government efforts to address the state budget deficit.
The measures include the reduction of government spending and enhancement of revenue by committing all ministries and government institutions to a cut in operational costs by 15 per cent, and capital spending by 10 per cent.
The package also includes the reduction of government support for government independent institutions by 15 per cent and reducing the finance ministry's budget allocated for all ministries by JD85 million.
The austerity policy also touches on the premier's and Cabinet members' salaries, which will see a 20 per cent cut.
At a meeting with senior officers on Monday, Zaben issued directives to control spending, especially on fuel and electricity. He ordered a ban on the purchase of furniture and vehicles, Petra reported.
Zaben also instructed officers to reduce official visits unless necessary.
The Kingdom's defence budget, which includes money allocated to the JAF and other security agencies is undisclosed in the state budget.
On a list of 149 countries, Jordan ranks as fifth most militarised, according to the Global Militarisation Index.
According to the entity's most recent findings, Jordan is among the first 10 most militarised countries in the world; Israel heads the list, followed by Syria, Singapore, Russia, Cyprus, South Korea, Kuwait, Greece and Saudi Arabia.
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