The House gone, MPs told to vacate their homes or pay market rate rent

And now the Lok Sabha secretariat has sent letters to all outgoing MPs — these were mailed last week — telling them in very clear terms that even salaries would not be released until they obtain ‘No Demand’ certificates from Directorate of Estates (which allots the houses), the telephone department, Parliament library, the computer centre and Indian Airlines (in case there are bills pending).

Outgoing MPs will have to pay phone rentals with effect from February 6 — the dissolution date — though they could continue to avail the facility of one lakh free calls every year.

For electricity and water consumption above authorised limits, they will have to pay till such time they are elected to the new Lok Sabha.

The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) for MPs and their families will be available to them only until March 6. If they still want to avail of the facility, they will have to pay and get a CGHS card as an ex-MP.

As far as travel goes, outgoing MPs will be allowed rail travel in AC-1 if he or she travels solo. It’s AC 2-tier when with a companion.