Assembly nod to salary hike for MLAs

Pradeep Sharma

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 31

Salaries and allowances of the Haryana legislators are set for s massive increase from April 1 with the Vidhan Sabha today unanimously passing a resolution, clearing decks for a Bill in this regard in the next session.

In the absence of Congress MLAs, the INLD, BSP and Independents batted for the “unprecedented” and “tax-free” increase in salaries, allowance and other fringe benefits, prompting Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to have at dig at legislators saying, “Today, everyone is beaming with joy, there is clapping and unprecedented unity is seen (on the issue).”

Three days ago, a House committee was formed under the chairmanship of BJP chief whip Gian Chand Gupta (Panchkula MLA) to study the salary structure of other states and recommend increase in salaries and allowances.

On the concluding day of the of the Budget Session today, lone BSP MLA Tek Chand Sharma moved a resolution, saying salary and allowances of the MLAs should be increased in view of the “price rise”.

INLD’s Zakir Hussain seconded the proposal, saying it was need of the times.

Repeatedly pleading with members, the CM said: “If the House wants, what we can do is when the next session is convened, let’s say after three months, we can have the thing (hike) implemented in retrospective effect from April 1.” The members agreed.

Fringe benefits

• Government should pay power and water bills of MLAs’ official accommodation on pattern of ministers
• Car loan should be increased from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 30 lakh; home loan from Rs 60 lakh to Rs 90 lakh at the rate of 2 per cent
• Travelling allowance by own car be increased from Rs 15 per km to Rs 20 
• LTC be increased from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh
• Private accommodation allowance for official tour be increased from Rs 5,000 per day to Rs 10,000 
• Cashless treatment facilities for members, ex-members and their dependents on the pattern of Parliament