Latest news with #PSRA


Express Tribune
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PHC moved against advance schools fee
A writ petition has been filed in Peshawar High Court (PHC) to stop private schools in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) from collecting summer vacations fee in advance and various types of fees from the students, including promotion fees. A two-member PHC bench comprising Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Khurshid Iqbal took up the writ petition for hearing filed by Abbas Khan Sangeen advocate. He made the chief minister, chief secretary, Education secretary and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Private School Regulatory Authority (PSRA) as respondents in the petition. The petitioner argued that the collection of admission, examination, promotion and other capitation fees have been declared illegal under the PHC verdict in 2021 and subsequent notifications issued by the PSRA. Furthermore, the schools are bound to give 20 percent concession to one of the two siblings enrolled in a same school, however, educational institutions across the province are not implementing the rules despite orders and repeated notifications from PSRA,. The petitioner submitted that various educational institutions are fleecing the parents of school going children, requesting the court to ensure implementation on the PHC orders and PSRA Regulations 2018. He also requested the court to issue order for refund of amount charged in an account of capitation fees, adding the schools be barred from charging fee in advance as some school are demanding advance fee ahead of summer vacations. The court after hearing the arguments issued a notice to the concerned authority and sought a response.


Agriland
01-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
PSRA seeks meeting with livestock marts on finances
The Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) has requested personnel from all livestock marts in the country to attend a meeting in relation to financial aspects of mart management. Agriland understands that the meeting is to be held on May 11, with mart management personnel and other mart officials asked to attend. The PSRA is the statutory body with responsibility for licensing and regulating the property services sector (auctioneers, estate agents, letting agents and property management agents) in Ireland. Sources indicated to Agriland that the 'operations' of marts is expected to be part of the agenda of the meeting. Specifically, it is understood that the management of client accounts will be the subject of discussions. It is understood that an audit of some marts was carried out by the PSRA recently, from which concerns arose over finances. However, the mart sources said that the issue is 'complex' and 'broader issues' should be considered. These issues include non-payment for animals by a small cohort of buyers, putting pressure on client accounts. In a statement to Agriland, the PSRA said: 'The Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) has invited all licenced marts to attend a meeting on May 11, 2025. 'The central theme of this meeting is to address statutory requirements… including compliance with the client moneys regulations,' the PSRA statement said. DAFM takes action against 6 marts Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has confirmed that it has taken enforcement action against six marts and seven individuals in relation to alleged animal welfare breaches. The action arose following the broadcast of an RTÉ Investigates programme in July 2023. Footage from several marts in various locations appeared to show calves being kicked, beaten with sticks, dragged by their ears and tails, and thrown on and off trailers. Following the broadcast, DAFM said that it 'conducted investigations into suspected animal welfare-related offences that may have occurred in six mart premises'. A spokesperson at the department said that these investigations encompassed a detailed examination of over 19 hours of unedited footage obtained from RTÉ, records retained by businesses concerned, and all relevant legislation. 'Veterinary experts reviewed the footage and investigators were assigned to carry out follow-up investigations into the alleged breaches. 'Matters of concern, identified by veterinary experts, were brought to the attention of mart managers, who were instructed to examine all of the issues raised and to implement immediate remedial action,' the spokesperson said. DAFM said its investigation into these matters has now concluded and appropriate enforcement action has been taken against six operators and seven other individuals.


Zawya
24-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Public Services Regulation Authority outlines ambitious projects for sustainable growth in Oman
Muscat: The Public Services Regulation Authority (PSRA) announced nine major future projects and initiatives in energy, renewable energy, water, and sanitation, aligning with Oman's Vision 2040 and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. These projects, unveiled at the PSRA's annual media meeting, are a testament to Oman's dedication to sustainable development. The meeting, sponsored by the Minister of Energy and Minerals and attended by key industry leaders and media professionals, highlighted the PSRA's strategic direction. Key Projects and Initiatives Drive Oman's Sustainable Energy Transition PSRA Chairman Dr. Mansour bin Taleb Al Hinai detailed the ten key projects, including maximizing the Wadi Dayqah Dam's potential with a water purification and energy storage facility, exploring geothermal energy feasibility, and utilizing waste for energy and biofuel. The Duqm and Misfah power plant projects will leverage natural gas with hydrogen technology, while community solar energy stations will be established at health and educational facilities. The PSRA will also focus on regulatory frameworks for energy transfer, complete electricity supply competition studies, and support sustainability education through scholarships and technical training initiatives. Performance and Progress in Regulated Sectors Show Positive Trends The meeting showcased significant progress in regulated sectors, with renewable energy production increasing to 9% of total energy production in 2024. Compliance with sector rules and operating standards reached 95%, while beneficiary satisfaction rose to 75%. Water flow reliability hit 97%, and transmission network reliability reached 99.9%. The PSRA also outlined a detailed sustainable energy transition plan, with major solar and wind energy projects planned through 2030, aiming for 3,000 MW of solar energy production by that year. Service Delivery and Local Value Contributions Improve Significantly The PSRA reported improvements in service delivery, with electricity connection times reduced to two days and water connection times to five days. Treated wastewater percentages reached 98%. Local value contributions from regulated companies surged to OMR 66 million in 2024, up from OMR 35 million in 2023. The electricity and water sectors' contribution to Oman's GDP also increased to 2.5% in 2024. Investment, Omanization, and Regulatory Frameworks Strengthen Sector Performance Investments in regulated sectors from 2020 to 2024 totaled OMR 2.837 billion, demonstrating strong sector growth. Licensed companies achieved a 98.5% Omanization rate, reflecting a commitment to national workforce development. The PSRA adopted numerous regulatory frameworks to protect subscriber rights, ensure service reliability, and promote safety. The Authority also clarified service disconnection policies and compensation mechanisms. Operational Highlights and Strategic Projects Across Sectors Licensed companies presented operational highlights, including strategic projects in water transmission, desalination, and sewage treatment. The electricity sector saw significant growth in subscribers, peak loads, and infrastructure development. The water and natural gas transmission sectors also reported positive growth indicators. The meeting concluded with a dialogue session, fostering transparency and communication between the PSRA, industry stakeholders, and the media, reinforcing Oman's commitment to sustainable development and efficient public services. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (

Times of Oman
24-02-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Public Services Regulation Authority outlines ambitious projects for sustainable growth in Oman
Muscat: The Public Services Regulation Authority (PSRA) announced nine major future projects and initiatives in energy, renewable energy, water, and sanitation, aligning with Oman's Vision 2040 and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. These projects, unveiled at the PSRA's annual media meeting, are a testament to Oman's dedication to sustainable development. The meeting, sponsored by the Minister of Energy and Minerals and attended by key industry leaders and media professionals, highlighted the PSRA's strategic direction. Key Projects and Initiatives Drive Oman's Sustainable Energy Transition PSRA Chairman Dr. Mansour bin Taleb Al Hinai detailed the ten key projects, including maximizing the Wadi Dayqah Dam's potential with a water purification and energy storage facility, exploring geothermal energy feasibility, and utilizing waste for energy and biofuel. The Duqm and Misfah power plant projects will leverage natural gas with hydrogen technology, while community solar energy stations will be established at health and educational facilities. The PSRA will also focus on regulatory frameworks for energy transfer, complete electricity supply competition studies, and support sustainability education through scholarships and technical training initiatives. Performance and Progress in Regulated Sectors Show Positive Trends The meeting showcased significant progress in regulated sectors, with renewable energy production increasing to 9% of total energy production in 2024. Compliance with sector rules and operating standards reached 95%, while beneficiary satisfaction rose to 75%. Water flow reliability hit 97%, and transmission network reliability reached 99.9%. The PSRA also outlined a detailed sustainable energy transition plan, with major solar and wind energy projects planned through 2030, aiming for 3,000 MW of solar energy production by that year. Service Delivery and Local Value Contributions Improve Significantly The PSRA reported improvements in service delivery, with electricity connection times reduced to two days and water connection times to five days. Treated wastewater percentages reached 98%. Local value contributions from regulated companies surged to OMR 66 million in 2024, up from OMR 35 million in 2023. The electricity and water sectors' contribution to Oman's GDP also increased to 2.5% in 2024. Investment, Omanization, and Regulatory Frameworks Strengthen Sector Performance Investments in regulated sectors from 2020 to 2024 totaled OMR 2.837 billion, demonstrating strong sector growth. Licensed companies achieved a 98.5% Omanization rate, reflecting a commitment to national workforce development. The PSRA adopted numerous regulatory frameworks to protect subscriber rights, ensure service reliability, and promote safety. The Authority also clarified service disconnection policies and compensation mechanisms. Operational Highlights and Strategic Projects Across Sectors Licensed companies presented operational highlights, including strategic projects in water transmission, desalination, and sewage treatment. The electricity sector saw significant growth in subscribers, peak loads, and infrastructure development. The water and natural gas transmission sectors also reported positive growth indicators. The meeting concluded with a dialogue session, fostering transparency and communication between the PSRA, industry stakeholders, and the media, reinforcing Oman's commitment to sustainable development and efficient public services.