By IANS,
New Delhi: The Delhi government Tuesday clarified that the proposal for hiking the salaries of legislators and ministers, by almost 200 percent, has not been rejected by the central government, but some queries have been raised.
Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said the central government had only raised some queries and a reply to them has already been sent. “Whatever the problems are there, we will sort it out,” she added.
Later, in a statement, the chief minister’s office clarified that the central government has not turned down the legislative proposal relating to amendment of the Members of Legislative Assembly of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Salaries, Allowances, Pension etc.) Act, 1994 and the ministers of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Salaries and Allowances) Act, 1994.
“Some queries have been raised regarding the proposal which is quite usual relating to proposal seeking approval of other constitutional authority,” the statement added.
According to officials, the central government sought certain clarifications regarding the two proposals Oct 25 and then in another letter dated Nov 9, it was assured that the proposal of hike would be processed expeditiously on receipt of these clarifications.
The statement said the salary and allowances of members of the state legislative assembly were not reviewed even after the “significant” increase in the salaries of government employees as recommended by the 6th Pay Commission.
Justifying the proposed hike of nearly 200 percent, it contended the fact of inflation and that the legislators are not granted the accommodation and other facilities, prompted the government to move a proposal in this regard.
“The main thrust of the proposal is to increase the salary of the legislators to Rs.20,000/- per mensem. Other allowances to the legislators have been proposed to facilitate an effective interaction with the electorate,” the statement said.