With the 400% hike in the salary of Delhi MLAs
passed by the Assembly, it looks that Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister, Delhi
who claims himself to be a member of Aam Aadmi Party (APP) – a common man, now
becomes Khas (important).
No doubt the increase in a slew of allowances
considering rising cost of living, but it has not been endorsed by the people
who are already facing number of heavy taxes and the increase in wages is at the
cost of a common man.
If the bill is approved by the Centre, then basic
salaries of legislators will rise from current Rs 12,000 to Rs 50,000 and their
overall monthly package will be around Rs 2.1 lakh as against existing Rs
88,000. Moreover, If the Centre approves the Bill, then salaries of Delhi
legislators will among the highest in the country.
As per provisions of the bill, the basic salary of a
minister will be Rs 80,000 which is currently Rs 20,000.
Meanwhile, the BJP and the Congress were quick to
criticise the recommendations. BJP leader Vijender Gupta had said, “There is
already an additional burden of Rs 7,000 crore on citizens as a number of taxes
has been increased”. All this has been done to keep disillusioned AAP MLAs
happy.
In all, they will get Rs.2.35 lakh inclusive of all
allowances. Jharkhand is also giving Rs.2.10 per month.
The AAP has started its new term with the motto of
simplicity. Kejriwal had also pledged
to live like a simple man and denied the
luxury car and house.
The surprise of certain people on this decision is
natural despite the fact that the increase in wages can be justified with the
increase in day today expenses but it must be logistic. One can even say with the recommendations of
7th Pay Commission, the wages of certain class will be higher than the
legislatures. Thus, the hike in their wages cannot be illogical.
It is also correct the household expenses of the MLAs are normally over and
above the government officers. They are not only to meet the day today expenses
but also have to bear with the expenses on account of political activities.
But one thing is certain that the government talking
at the high pitch about the simplicity must keep a limit over its expenses.
Numbers of questions are raised over the increase in
wages of MLAs. It is also alleged that
the public representatives feel the impact of inflation but don’t feel the
pulse of the public men. One of the major question is that when the
Commission’s recommendations are invited for making hike in employees, labour
and other categories then why the increase in wages of MLAs are implemented
with their own recommendations.
But Delhi government has definitely adopted the
different procedure – constituted a committee, then a bill was drafted on their
recommendations and took the decision only after passing in the House.
Frankly speaking, all these formalities are not
going to dilute the charges of high and king like expenses, on Kejriwal
government. AAP leaders and workers have to set an example for others to
follow.
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