Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - The government, on Wednesday, decided to cut by 10 percent any amount over JOD2,000 in the monthly salary of public officials, including the prime minister and ministers, as part of a belt-tightening drive designed to rein in public expenditure and slash the budget deficit.

Furthermore, the government also decided to set up an ad hoc committee to discuss putting a maximum wage that doesn't exceed JOD3,500 for any state official.

The decision, which was taken during a cabinet meeting this evening, covers ministries and government agencies, independent governmental bodies and units, and government-owned companies that are included in the state's budget.

These bodies include universities, subsidiaries of government-shared companies, the Greater Amman Municipality and municipalities.

Prime Minister, Hani al-Mulki, said the amounts deducted shall be transferred to the ministry of finance, including detailed statements showing the value of deductions.