Government shoots down 50 per cent of proposals to hike MP salary

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The joint committee, headed by BJP MP from Gorakhpur Yogi Adityanath, has 15 members — 10 from Lok Sabha and 5 from Rajya Sabha.

The committee had five sittings before it handed over its report to Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari. Its meetings were held on February 16 this year and on September 26, October 20, November 17 and December 15 last year. The ATR will be discussed by the both houses of Parliament once the joint committee adopts it.

Sources said the proposals “not accepted” by the government include 125 per cent of air fare to members who travel by train — currently, an MP is entitled to 125 per cent of air fare as travel allowance for official journey; replacing First Class with First AC in the additional travel allowance that an MP gets; housing loan facilities for MPs; constitution of a housing society for MPs; permitting former MPs to travel by air from Leh-Ladakh on the lines they are allowed from Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep; provision for official vehicles to MPs; guest houses for MPs in each state capital; providing cars to chairpersons of parliamentary committees for travel outside Delhi, providing them security and protocol; and, enhancing daily allowance from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000.

Sources said recommendations “not agreed” included diplomatic passports for former MPs; First AC facility to an MP’s companion; local telephone when an MP is abroad; exemption from toll to former MPs; permission for former MPs to travel in First AC along with spouse or companion; providing canteen facility to MPs for purchase of items of daily needs.

The committee, it is learnt, recommended that MPs be given their entire office allowance and not to their personal assistants but this too was “not agreed”. So was a proposal for work stations for MPs on the premises of Parliament House.

Sources said that on the recommendations for enhancing the housing loan and constituency allowance, the government said these “will be decided in due course”. On the recommendation for pension to former MPs, the government said “action is being taken”.

On giving former MPs access to VIP areas and government guest houses, the government said there is “no need for change in existing guidelines of states and other agencies”.

Sources said recommendations being considered by the government include:

* Enhancement of quota in Kendriya Vidyalayas up to 15 per year.

* Permission to grant airport access to personal assistants of MPs.

* Whether villages selected by MPs can be provided separate budget.

* Enhancement of MPLAD amount which is currently Rs 5 crore per annum.

* Hand pumps in constituencies on the recommendation of MPs.

* Considering construction of roads in constituencies on advice of MPs.