'Hike in salaries of MPs under govt's consideration'

The issue of hike in salaries of MPs is under consideration of the government, a Parliamentary panel was informed today.
Deposing before the Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament, representatives of the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry Committee said the issue of hike in salaries of MPs is under the consideration of the government, sources said.
The ministry, sources said, is working on the final draft before it is sent to the Prime Minister's Office for approval.
At today's meeting, some members lamented that while the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission have been implemented, the lawmakers are yet to get a salary hike.

The Centre had in September last proposed to constitute a three-member Emoluments Commission to determine salary and allowances of Members of Parliament and it was endorsed at the two-day All India Whips Conference on September 29 and 30.
An MP gets a salary of Rs 50,000 per month. In addition, Rs 2,000 per day is paid as daily allowance when an MP signs the register while attending Parliament sessions or House committee meetings. An MP is also entitled to Rs 45,000 constituency allowance every month -- Rs 15,000 for stationery and Rs 30,000 to employ secretarial assistance staff.
In their sitting on October 20 last year, the committee decided to enhance the amount of Constituency Allowance from the present Rs 45,000 to Rs 75,000, which required an amendment in rules.

MPs are also entitled for government accommodation, air travel and train travel facilities, besides three landline telephone connections and two mobile phones. They also get a loan of Rs 4 lakh to buy a vehicle.