Bills on hike in salary, pension to MLAs passed without debate

NT NETWORK

PANAJI

The state legislative assembly, on Friday, unanimously passed two Bills pertaining to hike in monthly salary, daily allowance, constituency allowance and pension payable to members of the legislative assembly and the council of ministers, without any debate.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, on Thursday, had introduced the Goa Salary, Allowances and Pension of the Members of the Legislative Assembly (Amendment) Bill 2018 and the Goa Salaries and Allowances of Ministers (Amendment) Bill 2018. On Friday, both Bills were passed without any discussion.

With the passage of these Bills, the salary and allowances of the MLAs and ministers have been hiked by 77 per cent.

According to the government, in view of price rise and considering the present level of price index, it has increased salary, allowances, pension etc payable to the members of the legislative assembly at the rate arrived at after deduction of the rate of dearness allowance as notified from time to time in terms of the Sixth Central Pay Commission’s recommendations.

It further enhanced the amount payable to a member for each day of duty in lieu of accommodation to be provided to him from present Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000. Besides the travelling allowance payable to a member in lieu of accommodation/stay during his travel outside state in the capacity of committee member or in an official capacity, was also increased from Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,500.

With the passage of the Bill pertaining to salary and allowances to MLAs the financial implications on the state treasury will be Rs 6.60 crore per year, approximately and as far as ministers are concerned, the additional financial liability would be approximately to the extent of Rs 57.40 lakh per annum.