It 'pays' to be a former MLA in Haryana

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The generosity shown by the Haryana government to former legislators has few parallels in any other state. With the recent hike of six per cent, the state now pays 218 per cent dearness allowance (DA) to its former members of legislative Assembly (MLAs). Some former MLAs are already drawing pension in excess of Rs 2 lakh a month.

"There is an increase of six per cent in DA for pensioners through the Haryana Legislative Assembly (Salary, Allowances and Pensions of Members) Amendment Act, 2015. There is no other change for pensioners," says R K Nandal, secretary, Haryana Legislative Assembly. Earlier, the government had enhanced DA from 200 per cent to 212 per cent with effect from July 1, 2014.

Here is how the system of giving pension to former legislators works in Haryana. A former MLA is entitled to a basic pension of Rs 10,000 plus Rs 5,000 of dearness pension. The applicable DA rate is then added to it. This is the minimum a former legislator gets, regardless of whether she or he has served only one day or full term (five years).

HARYANA MOST GENEROUS TO EX-MLAs

• Basic pension at Rs 10,000 + Rs 5,000 as DP
• Rs 1,500 additional pension for each extra year served
• Dearness allowance (currently at 218%)
• Medical facilities on a par with Group A officers
• Family pension at 50% of the last pension drawn

PENSION FOR FORMER MPs

• Basic: Rs 20,000
   
• Addition: Rs 1,500 for every year served in excess of first term
   
• Travel facility: Air-conditioned second class with a companion
   
• Vehicle loan: Up to Rs 4 lakh

However, if he has served multiple terms in the assembly, an additional pension of Rs 1,500 is added for every extra year served. According to this formula, if a member has served five full terms (25 years), he is entitled to a basic pension of Rs 45,000 plus DA. The actual pension at the current rate of DA of 218 per cent will work out to Rs 98,100 a month. Then there are other benefits such as medical facilities, loan and travel entitlements.

While offering medical facilities to former MLAs and their dependents, Haryana treats them on a par with group officers of the state. The rule says that "a member and members of his family may get medical treatment in case of emergency as indoor patient from a private hospital/institution and is also entitled to the facility of reimbursement of expenditure subject to certain conditions".

Former members of Parliament (MPs), on the other hand, have to make do with much less. MPs are entitled to a pension of Rs 20,000 and Rs 1,500 is added for every year served in excess of the first five years. They are not entitled to get any DA. According to the Act that governs salaries, allowances and pension of MPs, every person who has served either house of Parliament for "any period as a member" is entitled to get pension. Former members of Parliament are also entitled to free travel with a companion in air-conditioned two-tier coaches in any train and in first class coaches with companion. They are also entitled to get repayable advance of up to Rs 4 lakh for purchase of a vehicle. The situation is not very different in some other states. Maharashtra follows the Parliament model and pays a pension of Rs 15,000 for one-term member and an additional Rs 1,000 for every extra year served.

In Chhattisgarh, "each ex-member is entitled for Rs 16,000 per month, for his first tenure of membership. An ex-member whose tenure is more than five years shall be paid additional pension of Rs 300 per month for six to 10 years, Rs 400 a month for 11 to 15 years and Rs 500 per month for 16 years or more," according to the state government website. The state also offers Rs 10,000 as medical allowance every month to its former legislators. The former MLAs are also entitled for air and railway coupons worth Rs 1.5 lakh in a year.

Rajasthan has capped the maximum pension amount payable to former MLAs at Rs 17,000, regardless of the term he or she has served. The starting pension is Rs 5,000 for a former legislator who has served only one term. The state also provides medical and travelling concessions to former legislators. Tamil Nadu has fixed Rs 12,000 a month as pension for former MLAs. The newly-created Telangana state gives Rs 15,000 for one-term legislator and has capped the upper limit at Rs 25,000.

West Bengal seems to be the least generous with monthly pension to former legislators pegged at mere Rs 1,500. The state adds "Rs 150 per month for every additional one year of membership, subject to a maximum of Rs 3,000 per month".