It is heartening that the Supreme Court has decided to look into whether pensions and allowances like unlimited free train travel should be allowed to former MPs and MLAs. The court feels that the amount should be reasonable and not arbitrary. Former legislators now decide what their pay hikes should be. That is controversial. In 2010, they gave themselves a pay hike of 300%. A parliamentary committee last year decided on a 100% hike. MPs do not care what a dent they make in taxpayer’s money. According to the salary Allowance and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, MPs regardless of their period of service, are allowed to travel in AC first class with a companion or alone for life without any payment. In 2014, it came to light that former MPs are also entitled to receive pension. The Central Pension Accounting Office in the Finance Ministry have no way of keeping tabs on whether they are former MPs or former MLAs. That means a supreme indifference to the process from onerous taxes paid by harassed taxpayers.
What is more to the point is to assess what services are rendered by existing MPs to determine whether they should be entitled to freebies after they become former MPs. Absentee MPs who never speak in the house should be disqualified. That should apply also to former Central Ministers. MPs salaries and allowances after they cease to hold their esteemed position should be linked to overall GDP growth. The proposed Emoluments Commission should be set up forthwith. The Independence from political pull is a must.
