Question : SALARIES OF MPS

(a) whether there have been suggestions for improvements in the salaries and perks of MPs in view of escalating costs of living, transportation etc ; and

(b) if so, the details thereof indicating action taken/proposed in the matter?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI SANTOSH GANGWAR)


(a) & (b) : The Joint Committe on Salaries and Allowances of MPs have been making recommendations from time to time regarding increase in the Salary, Allowances and facilities to the Members of Parliament taking into account the escalating cost of living, transportation etc. Besides letters in this regard are also received from MPs. These are examined by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairsmin consultation with the Ministries concerned and the two Secretariats of Parliament. Such of the recommendations/suggestions as are accepted by the Government are implemented by way of amendment to the Salary, Allowances and Pensions of Members of Parliament, Act 1954 and the Rules made there under.

During the first phase of Budget Session, 2000 the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2000 has been circulated to the Members of Lok Sabha which contains some of the recommendations/suggestions made in this regard. Besides this, the decision of the Governmenthas been conveyed to the Lok Sabha Secretariat to amend the relevant Rules framed under the above mentioned Act to provide the following facilities to the Members :-


(i) a Member may be allowed a third telephone with additional 50,000 free local calls in a year for internet connectivity purposes;


(ii) a Member may be provided a sum of Rs.1,000 per month for franking his/her letters in addition to Rs.2,5000 per month already admissible for meeting the expenses on postage, stationery, etc.