Ranchi, March 25 (IANS) Jharkhand Governor Syed Sibte Razi has returned a bill that proposes to increase the salary of present and former legislators in the state, officials sources said Tuesday.
Razi raised several objections related to the salary hike, sources in the governor’s house said here.
“The governor had objections over increasing the salary of former legislators, making it equivalent to present legislators. Also, the bill proposed that wives of former legislators would enjoy free air travel facility,” the sources told IANS on condition of anonymity.
The state assembly had passed the bill Dec 18, during the winter session. The governor returned it two days ago, the sources added.
It also included according minister status and facilities to former speakers and that one third of railway coupons provided to legislators be used to purchase fuel. The bill had proposed railway coupons worth Rs.200,000 per annum.
This is the fourth time that a salary hike had been proposed for legislators.
Ever since the state was formed in November 2000, salaries of legislators have been increased three times. When Jharkhand was carved out from Bihar, a legislator was paid Rs.11,000 per month. The salary is Rs.36,000 per month currently.
If the bill is cleared by the governor, then a legislator will take home Rs.42,000 per month.