KRG Council of Ministers discusses population census, salary entitlements
The meeting also addressed the pressing issue of Kurdistan Region civil servant salary payments for October, November, and December.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani chaired a meeting of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Council of Ministers on Wednesday, addressing key topics, including the population census, housing relief measures, and salary entitlements, according to an official statement.
Population Census Progress and Implications
Minister of Planning Dara Rashid presented a detailed report on the progress of the general population and housing census in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Rashid highlighted the successful completion of the family form phase, emphasizing that the census is designed solely for development purposes and does not replace constitutional mechanisms or carry political implications.
The minister underlined the KRG’s previous measures to ensure a transparent and development-focused census, which were officially endorsed by the Iraqi Council of Ministers. Preliminary results from the family form phase were shared publicly and will form the basis for determining the Kurdistan Region’s entitlements within Iraqi constitutional institutions, including budget allocations and salary payments.
Rashid urged regional ministries and institutions to start using the new data for planning and development purposes, enabling more informed decision-making. He also outlined the upcoming stages of the census, set to proceed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Planning.
The Council instructed the Secretariat to formally request the Iraqi Council of Ministers to recognize the updated population data for the Kurdistan Region in its 2025 fiscal planning.
Housing Relief for Citizens
The Council also approved a proposal by Minister of Municipalities and Tourism Sasan Othman Awni to provide financial relief for citizens who build residential houses on municipal land due to housing shortages. The decision allows citizens with limited financial means to pay land ownership fees in installments, as per Laws No. 3 of 2019 and No. 7 of 2021. This initiative aims to support ordinary citizens facing economic challenges.
Salaries and Financial Entitlements
The meeting also addressed the pressing issue of Kurdistan Region civil servant salary payments for October, November, and December. The Council reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the federal government fulfills its obligation to pay salaries to Kurdistan Region civil servants, stressing that these payments are a legal entitlement and should not be entangled in political disputes.
Recent discussions between KRG representatives and the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq emphasized the need for parity, ensuring that Kurdistan Region civil servants receive their salaries in line with their counterparts across Iraq.
Conclusion
The Council of Ministers reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the region's critical economic and social issues, emphasizing development, citizen welfare, and collaboration with federal authorities.
