New Delhi: The issue of hike in salary and
allowances of MPs figured in the Rajya Sabha Tuesday with
members wanting to know by when the government proposed to
increase their wages.
Rajniti Prasad (RJD) raised the issue when the House met
for the day and instantly found support from members in the
opposition benches.
"What has happened to the proposal to increase MPs`
salary, we want to know," he said citing media reports that
the Cabinet yesterday deferred a decision on the issue.
Chairman Hamid Ansari said only questions can be taken up
during the Question Hour but members were unrelenting.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said the matter was
under consideration of the government.
"The report of the Joint Committee on salary and
allowances of Members of Parliament has been received by the
government. It is under consideration," he said without giving
a time frame by when it would be implemented.
"The report will be made effective from beginning of 15th
Lok Sabha. Whenever the bill is passed, it will have
retrospective effect," he said.
Mukherjee`s reply did not satisfy members who insisted on
knowing by when it will be implemented and why Cabinet
deliberations were being selectively leaked to media.
Ansari did not allow anyone to speak on the issue and
took up the listed questions.
"We are not discussing this matter. Please allow Question
Hour to proceed," he said. "This is not the time (for raising
the issue)."
The House then took up the listed agenda.
PTI
