New powers for Diyanet, Court of Accounts sidelined: Approved in committee

The omnibus bill, which includes regulations granting new powers to the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), has been approved by the TBMM Planning and Budget Committee. 

With the new regulation, Hajj and Umrah expenditures will be removed from the scope of the Court of Accounts (Sayıştay) audit. Expenditures will instead be audited by inspectors appointed by the Presidency of Religious Affairs and the Presidency of the Republic.

RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS TO BE EXAMINED

According to the new regulation, the High Board of Religious Affairs will examine and provide opinions on religious publications requested for review by official institutions. The Board will cooperate with relevant units, institutions, and organizations to determine and announce prayer times as well as religious days and nights, and will carry out the necessary work for this purpose.

The Board for the Examination of Mushafs and Recitation will have the authority to inspect Qur'ans printed without approval and seals. Publications without approval and seals will be collected and destroyed. Furthermore, decisions to block access can be issued for online publications as well.

DIYANET TO AUDIT HAJJ AND UMRAH EXPENDITURES

The proposal redefines the provision governing the execution of Hajj and Umrah services. Accordingly, all business and transactions related to Hajj and Umrah travel, as well as all expenditures made from the Hajj and Umrah Account, will be audited at the end of each Hajj season by inspectors appointed by the Presidency and, when necessary, by the Presidency of the Republic.

The execution of Hajj and Umrah services, the creation of the Hajj and Umrah Account, the spending of amounts in this account, the fees to be paid to Presidency personnel assigned domestically during Hajj and Umrah periods in return for examination services, and the procedures and principles regarding the establishment, duties, and powers of the Inter-Ministerial Hajj and Umrah Board and the Hajj and Umrah Commission will be determined by the President.

News Source: 12punto