Modi Govt Brings Law To Cut Salary Of Lawmakers By 30 Per Cent; MPLAD Scheme Suspended For Two Years

Yesterday (15 September), Lok Sabha passed a bill to reduce the salaries of the members of parliament by 30 per cent for one year in the light of the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Union parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi brought the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2020 on Monday by, replacing the Salary, Allowances And Pension of Members of Parliament (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 brought in April.

Reportedly, the opposition leaders protested the suspension of the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) for two years.

They asked why the Union government was taking away MPLADS funds for two years while projects related to the central vista was continuing.

The Union government said the move is temporary and is needed in the unprecedented scenario.

“I congratulate all members that charity has begun from both the Houses. It is unprecedented as the whole world is affected. When such things happen we need to take extraordinary decisions…We are not saying only we are doing everything. There is no question of politicization of the issue. The MPLADS proposal is for only two years," Joshi said.