MPs get salary hike! Oops, it is without an appraisal?

I would like to draw readers’ attention to the news item about our MPs salary hike. The cabinet has approved a 300% salary hike for our beloved, committed parliamentarians. Alas, even now, they are not satisfied. Do they deserve it? Let us see.

The funny part of this whole affair is reflected in the words of CPM leader Sitaram Yechury. His speech correctly reflected the popular sentiments about the ‘unwanted’ and ‘shameless’ pay hike with public money for nothing, or worse, for creating pandemonium frequently inside the house for protecting their selfish interests. Moreover, the unanimity they showed while arguing for a pay hike could be used wisely to lead our nation towards progress and development. I forgot. They funny part of the whole story is that the MPs were given option to raise their salaries whenever they want. Does anyone else enjoy this privilege? I am afraid if they would argue if this one also comes under their privilege list.

Here comes another doubt. As in any other concern, do our MPs lose pay for being absent from the parliament? With all respect my nation’s great democratic credentials, I say our MPs don’t deserve what they ask for. I think it is not their low salary that prompted them to ask for more. From the voices emanating from the House, I understand that it is their inferiority complex that hurts them. What is the reason? They see that the secretaries (I mean the high ranking IAS and officers from other civil services) earn much more than what our MPs get. (An MP earns Rs 16,000 while a secretary earns Rs 80,000.) It was initially demanded that an MP should get Rs 80,001. What a comedy? It means they should get at least one rupee more than a secretary. I think the move and the mood of the MPs are obvious.

How the Speaker was forced to hold up the parliamentary proceedings in the absence of MPs? What were they doing during session? Please take a look at the news story.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/MPs-absent-proceedings-collapse-in-Lok-Sabha-during-Question-Hour/articleshow/5284190.cms
(Courtesy to timesofindia.com)

Details of MPs salaries and allowances

Salary: 16,000
Daily allowance: 1,000
Constituency Allowance: Rs 20,000
Office Expense Allowance: Rs 20,000
a. Stationary items: Rs 4,000
b. Franking the letters: Rs 2,000
c. Secretarial assistance: Rs 14,000

This is besides the travel and telephone allowances they enjoy.

For more details, log on to

http://loksabha.nic.in/

I think it is time our system should think of a performance-based appraisal system for our MPs. They should be made accountable for what they are doing. Do our MPs listen?

Readers should also take a look at the following article.

http://www.vallalarspace.com/vallalargroups/Articles/1280


It tells us about where our country stands now.
Jai Hind!