The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed a bill to cut all the MPs’ salaries by 30% for a year, to meet the financial crisis arising out COVID19 pandemic.
All the members of the Lok Sabha unanimously supported the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2020 and the bill was passed in the Lower House.
The bill was introduced on the floor of the Lok Sabha on September 14 (Monday), said media reports.
The central government, earlier this year, brought the Salaries and Allowances of Ministers (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, which reduced the salary and certain allowances of MLAs, MLCs, ministers, and Whips, by 15% to 30%.
This reduction was done for a period of one year and was effective from April 1, 2020.
On April 5, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had approved an ordinance to amend salaries of parliamentarians and ministers, reducing allowances and pension by 30%.
The Union Cabinet had also decided to suspend the MP Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme for two years and transfer the amount into the government’s consolidated fund.
While addressing a press briefing, Union information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar said President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-president Venkaiah Naidu and Governors too had offered to take the 30% cut in their salaries.
“The Union cabinet also approved temporary suspension of MPLAD Fund of MPs during 2020-21 & 2021-22 for managing health and the adverse impact of Covid-19 outbreak,” Javadekar said.
“The consolidated amount of MPLAD Funds for 2 years – Rs 7900 crores will go to consolidated Fund of India,” he had said.