The Union Cabinet on April 6th, 2020 approved an ordinance to reduce the salaries, allowances and pensions of Members of Parliament (MPs) by 30 per cent for one year and the amount will be utilised in the fight against coronavirus.
Union minister Prakash Javadekar said that the Cabinet approved an ordinance amending the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954 reducing allowances and pension by 30 per cent from April 1st, 2020 for a year.
The President, Vice President, governors of states have also voluntarily decided to take a pay cut as a social responsibility, Javadekar said. The money will go to Consolidated Fund of India to fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, he added.
Javadekar also mentioned that the Cabinet has approved temporary suspension of MPLAD (Member of Parliament Local Area Development) fund scheme during 2020-21 and 2021-22.
“The funds will be used for managing health services and the adverse impact of COVID-19 pandemic in the country,” he said.
The decision came hours after PM Narendra Modi told the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers to prepare for a long haul.
While addressing the BJP members on the occasion of the 40th Foundation Day of the party, Modi said that the fight against COVID-19 would be a long one and that the country today has pledged to win the war against the high contagious virus.
“The world is going through a difficult time. Humanity is facing a crisis. We have to create our path during this challenging time and emerge victoriously,” said Modi.
Photo: Twitter
