Councillors for hike in salary

Tribune News Service
Amritsar, December 16

After a sub-committee of Punjab Vidhan Sabha recommended a hike in salaries and allowances of the MLAs in Punjab Assembly, the councillors of the Municipal Corporation (MC) have also expressed desire for more payment. Besides, the councillors, for years, have been demanding pension, but the government has never given them a heed.

MC councillors in the city are getting Rs 17,000 as monthly salary.

Councillor Jatinder Sonia stated that the councillors work round the clock and spend a lot of money from their pockets. “The salary is low and they can’t even pay their monthly rent and fuel for vehicle. The salaries should be increased in accordance with the inflation. The state government should consider our demand,” the councillor said.

Some of the councillors demand funds for area development instead of hike in the salaries. “People elected us for their service. They visit us for their routine issues regarding sewerage, water, sanitation, civil and maintenance issues. We need funds to address their problems. The salary is not sufficient but the government should provide development funds on priority,” said another councillor.

Deputy Mayor Younas Kumar said, “I support the demand of councillors for a hike in salaries. They devote their time and resources for public. They sacrifice their personal lives and families. The government should increase the salaries and even make provision for pension.”