Premium

Former Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar re-applies for pension as Rajasthan ex-MLA

Dhankhar, an MLA from Rajasthan's Kishangarh between 1993 and 1998, stepped down as Vice-President in July citing health reasons.

The former Congress MLA from Rajasthan’s Kishangarh between 1993 and 1998, Dhankhar -- who joined the BJP in 2003 -- had been receiving MLA’s pension until 2019. (File Photo)

Former Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar has re-applied to the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Secretariat for pension as a former legislator, officials told The Indian Express.

The former Congress MLA from Rajasthan’s Kishangarh between 1993 and 1998, Dhankhar — who joined the BJP in 2003 — had been receiving MLA’s pension until 2019, when he was appointed the Governor of West Bengal and eventually became Vice-President.

Dhankhar, 74, stepped down as Vice-President on July 21 citing health reasons. According to officials, the Rajasthan Assembly Secretariat has begun processing the request.

Dhankhar, also a former MP, will receive his pension from the date that his resignation as Vice-President was accepted. According to officials, a one-time MLA gets Rs 35,000/month as pension, with this sum progressively increasing with additional terms and age.

Septuagenarians like Dhankhar receive a 20 percent hike, and Dhankhar is entitled to Rs 42,000/month as a former legislator, the officials said.

This is besides the pensions he would draw as the former Vice-President of India and an ex-Member of Parliament.

Dhankhar has kept away from the public eye since his resignation, with his family citing health reasons. However, his complete withdrawal from public life has led to speculations, with the Opposition questioning the sudden resignation and the eventual absence.

Story continues below this ad

Meanwhile, members of his staff told The Indian Express this week that the former Vice-President and his wife Sudesh were waiting for a new bungalow to be allotted to move out of their official residence.

Parul Kulshrestha

Parul Kulshrestha is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Rajasthan. A lawyer turned journalist, she brings a unique cross-disciplinary perspective to her reporting, blending legal precision with deep social inquiry to cover one of India's most culturally and politically vibrant regions. Expertise and Experience Legal-Journalistic Synergy: Parul’s transition from a legal background to mainstream journalism provides her with a distinct advantage in interpreting policy, legislation, and judicial impacts. This expertise allows her to "read between the lines" of government orders and court rulings affecting the public. Diverse Beat: With years of experience across both mainstream newsrooms and independent journalism, she has built high-level authority in several critical areas: Nomadic Tribes & Marginalized Communities: She is recognized for her sensitive and in-depth reporting on the struggles and rights of Rajasthan's nomadic populations, often giving a voice to those outside the traditional political spotlight. Gender & Social Justice: Parul focuses on the intersection of law and gender, covering issues ranging from women’s safety and reproductive rights to the socio-economic empowerment of rural women. Environmental & Political Reporting: She tracks Rajasthan’s complex political landscape—including electoral shifts and bureaucratic changes—alongside critical environmental concerns like water scarcity and land use. Academic & Professional Pedigree: Her background as a lawyer, combined with her rise to the rank of Principal Correspondent at a national broadsheet, establishes her as a senior voice in the media landscape. ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
Jagdeep Dhankhar