Raje hikes MLAs' pension 2-fold, orders audit of discoms

Rajasthan Legislative Assembly today passed the state budget 2015-16 by voice vote after Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje gave her reply to the debate on appropriation bill, 2015.
Regular audits of expenditure and revenue of three power discoms and action against those found responsible for irregularities, and hike in pension of MLAs were among other announcements Raje made in her reply.
Raje alleged that power companies suffered huge losses due to the policies of the former government and now audits of the companies will be conducted.
"Expenditure and Revenue audits of the power companies will be conduced on regular basis. Those officers and employees found responsible for irregularities in audits will have to face disciplinary action," Raje announced.

She said that an incentive scheme will also be introduce to encourage officers and employees of discoms for doing good job.
The Chief Minister said that necessary action will also be taken for checking transmission and distribution losses where the problem is rampant.

Raje announced to hike pension of MLAs (who are or have been members of the house since April 1, 2012) from Rs 7,500 to Rs 15,000 per month and constituency allowance of the members from Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 per month.
Expressing her concern and grief over the losses to farmers due to unseasonal rain and hailstorm in the state, Raje said her government has taken several steps in a week to provide maximum relief to the affected farmers.

She announced that MLAs and MPs will now be able to spend Rs 20 lakh and Rs 50 lakh, or more, respectively from their fund for such relief works in their constituencies which will be in addition to the government's relief.
"After the rainfall and hailstorm, our MLAs went to their constituencies and Union Minister also came to Rajasthan to assess the losses. I spoke to district collectors and forwarded a report to the Centre. The government worked with sensitivity," she said.