After uproar, MP pay hike bill this session
Lok Sabha MPs cutting across party lines showed rare unity when they created an uproar to protest against a delay in their salary hike, forcing Speaker Meria Kumar to adjourn the House on Tuesday.
To pacify them, finance minister Pranab Mukherjee said the government would try bring a bill on this in this session, and that the hikes would be effective from the current Lok Sabha.
The MPs erupted a day after the Union Cabinet deferred a decision on the proposed threefold hike, up from the existing Rs 16,000 per month. Proposals for a hike have been put off twice in the past.
RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav led the shouting brigade in the House, and was soon joined by SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, and many others, including Congress members.
Left MPs remained aloof, as their parties think Parliament should not take the decision on the salary and allowances of MPs. They want an independent commission to do the job.
Speaker Meira Kumar tried to pacify the MPs, but they were in no mood to listen. She then adjourned the House till 2 pm. She also chose to remain neutral on the issue. “When different opinions are there, it would not be proper for a Speaker, who is supposed to be neutral, to express her opinion,” she told reporters.
Mr Lalu Yadav was not satisfied with Mr Mukherjee’s promise, and asked him for a concrete assurance. “We’re ready. Bring the bill tomorrow, we’ll pass it in two minutes,” he said, leaving Mr Mukherjee smiling.
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