Bill to stop multiple pensions to MLAs passed in Punjab Assembly

Chandigarh, June 30

Amid heated arguments between Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, the Punjab State Legislature Members (Pension and Medical Facilities Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2022, was passed today by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

Exchequer to save Rs 19.53 cr annually

• As per the amendment, an ex-MLA will draw a pension of Rs 60,000 per month plus DA irrespective of number of terms served
• Earlier, an ex-MLA drew Rs 15,000/month pension plus DA for first term, and an additional Rs 15,000 plus DA for every subsequent term

This amendment will put an end to multiple pensions to ex-MLAs for every term served. Now, they will get the pension benefit for only one term, helping the exchequer save Rs 19.53 crore annually.

As per the amendment, an ex-MLA will draw a pension of Rs 60,000 per month plus Dearness Allowance (as admissible to Punjab Government pensioners) irrespective of the number of terms they have served and irrespective of the tenure of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in which they have served.

However, when an ex-MLA will attain the age of 65, 75 and 80 years, they will be entitled to an increase of 5, 10 and 15 per cent, respectively, of the basic pension amount.