Salary and Pension hike for MPs– Government contemplates to constitute a committee
The Ministry Parliamentary has decided to constitute an independent three-member committee to look into the issue of salary increment to the Members of Parliament.
MPs in India are currently paid a basic salary of Rs.50,000. In addition to this, they are given constituency-based aid, travel allowance, and much more. Vishakapattinam will host an all-party spokespersons’ meet in another few days. This will be one of the issues to be discussed at the meet.
The Government is very likely to accept the recommendations of the 3-member committee. But, before that, they will have to obtain the Parliament’s approval. This is an attempt to bring transparency and honesty in the issue of remunerations to the MPs, according to Parliamentary sources.
Meanwhile, the Joint Parliamentary Committee has come up with some recommendations in this regard. Among them are – double the basic salary, and increase pensions to former MPs from Rs.20,000 to Rs.35,000. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs had rejected both the suggestions.
The following are the allowances currently enjoyed by MPs:
• Basic monthly salary of Rs.50,000
• A fee of Rs.2000 for each day that the MP signs at the attendance register when the Parliament is in session.
• A constituency allowance of Rs.45,000 per month
• Rs.15,000 for stationery expenses; Rs.30,000 for payments to assistants and secretaries.
• Facilities to stay in New Delhi, and, train and air fare to participate in the Parliamentary sessions
• A loan of Rs.4 lakhs to buy a car.
• Allowances to maintain three phone lines and two mobile numbers.