Biplab Kr deb
Representative photo. Image credit - Northeast Now

The Tripura Cabinet has decided to cut the salaries of all the ministers and MLAs by 30% to overcome the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on the state’s economy.

The State Cabinet also resolved to suspend the MLA funds for two years.

The decision of the Tripura Cabinet comes a day after the Union Cabinet decided to cut the salaries of all the MPs including the Union ministers by 30% for one year due to the COVID19 and its adverse impact on the country’s economy.

Informing about the Tripura Cabinet’s decision, chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb twitted: “In today’s cabinet meeting we have decided to deduct 30% salary of all Ministers and MLAs, in order to overcome the economic loss occurred due to #COVID19 pandemic.”

“Also MLA fund for 2 years has been suspended,” he added.

On Tuesday, the Assam Cabinet also decided to cut the salaries of the ministers and MLAs by 30% for one year to manage the situation arising out of the COVID19 pandemic.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) of Assam tweeted: “Assam Council of Ministers chaired by CM Shri @sarbanandsonwal decided to deduct salaries of Ministers and MLAs by 30% for 1 year for managing #COVID2019.”

On Monday, Union minister Prakash Javadekar said: “The Union Cabinet has approved the ordinance amending the salary, allowances and pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954, to reduce allowances and pension by 30% from April 1 for a year.”

Javadekar also said: “The President, Vice President and Governors of State have voluntarily decided to take a pay cut as a social responsibility. The money will go to Consolidated Fund of India.”