MPs take a pay cut

IN a show of austerity, Parliament has cut the salaries and allowances of ministers and MPs to meet the exigencies arising out of Covid-19. Though the intent of the measure is not in doubt, it has come a tad too late when the country is already reeling under the impact of a nearly six-month-long lockdown that has affected businesses adversely, resulting in loss of income and jobs. The savings are expected to be only around Rs 54 crore, but as the Minister of State for Home pointed out, the idea was to take the pay cut as a matter of principle.

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Members of Parliament are public representatives and they have to be responsive to the crisis affecting their constituents. Employees, both in the government and private sectors, have been affected severely with salaries getting curtailed; and hence the measure should hopefully sensitise the ministers and MPs about their problems. Public service has never been about making money and most MPs depend on alternative sources of income, but the same can hardly be said about the staff of the departments they have been heading who mostly fall in the fixed income group. The one-year cut is also expected to underline the crisis in public and private finances for the elected representatives when it comes to dealing with funds.

There has been a demand for the restoration of MPLAD funds. But for this, the MPs should first ensure that their commitment to parliamentary traditions, practices and decorum is above board. They need to ensure adequate participation in House proceedings and set standards through non-partisan conduct. A thriving democracy depends not just on the voters but also those whom they elect. There is no denying that the efforts of the government have been directed towards meeting the unprecedented crisis created by the coronavirus which has required immense resources. Himachal Pradesh has restored the local area development fund for its MLAs. A similar measure for the MPs will first need some convincing that the step is being taken only in public interest.