Consensus in Parliament: MPs' salary to be Rs 2.80 lakh from Rs 1.40 lakh

The central government seems to be considering the recommendation of a 100% salary and allowance hike made by Members of Parliament for themselves, five years after they gave themselves a more than 300% salary hike.

This will mean an MP will earn Rs 2.80 lakh from the current Rs 1.40 lakh.

The Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of MPs has recommended a salary increment from Rs 50,000 to one lakh rupees and another constituency allowance and secretarial assistance allowance hike from Rs 45,000 to Rs 90,000.

Generally, MPs' salary hike witnesses a smooth passage in both Houses, cutting across party lines. Although, some parliamentarians, especially from the Left, have recommended setting up an independent body to decide on their salaries, perks and pensions.

A parliamentary panel, headed by BJP MP Yogi Adityanath has also suggested raising MPs' pension from Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000.

The panel's other proposals included providing canteen facilities for defence personnel, diplomatic passport for former MPs, access to VIP lounges at airports, housing loans and special guest houses in all constituencies. However, most of the 60 proposals made by the panel on perks and allowances have been rejected by the ministry.

The recommendation comes at a time when parliamentarians have faced criticism on social media about disruption and non-functioning of Parliament.