Dhankhar applies for pension as Rajasthan ex-MLA

Former Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar has applied for pension as a former legislator in Rajasthan, officials said.

Dhankhar, who represented the Kishangarh Assembly constituency as a Congress MLA from 1993 to 1998, received pension as a former legislator until July 2019. It was discontinued after he was appointed the Governor of West Bengal.

With his tenure as the Vice-President ending following his resignation on July 21, Dhankhar has applied afresh to the Rajasthan Assembly secretariat seeking resumption of his pension as a former MLA, the officials said.

The secretariat has initiated the process, and the pension will be applicable from the date his resignation as the Vice-President was accepted, they said.

The pension for a former MLA in Rajasthan starts at Rs 35,000 per month for a single term, and goes up with additional terms and age. Those above 70 receive a 20 per cent hike.

Dhankhar, now 74, is entitled to Rs 42,000 pension per month as a former legislator, the officials said.

Meanwhile, officials said Dhankhar is entitled to three pensions — as a former VP, former MP and former member of the Rajasthan Assembly.

While there are no pension benefits for Dhankhar as the former Governor of West Bengal, he can avail one secretarial staff for a monthly reimbursement of Rs 25,000 as a former Governor.

As a one-term MP, he is entitled to Rs 45,000 per month as pension, besides other benefits.

As the former Vice-President, Dhankhar is entitled for a pension of nearly Rs 2 lakh per month, a Type-8 bungalow, one personal secretary, one additional personal secretary, one personal assistant, one physician, one nursing officer and four personal attendants.

In the case of a former VP’s death, his or her spouse is entitled to a smaller Type-7 house.

In a surprise move, Dhankhar stepped down as the VP on July 21, the opening day of the monsoon session, citing health grounds.

The move triggered speculation, with the Congress saying it was “totally unexpected” and there was “far more to it than what met the eye”.