PM, President, MPs to take 30 per cent pay cut for 1 year
New Delhi : The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday cleared an ordinance to cut down salaries of PM, President and MPs by 30 per cent for one year to support coronavirus fight.
During the meeting, the cabinet also decided to suspend the MP local area development scheme for two years and transfer the money into the government’s consolidated fund. The money under MPLADS is around Rs 7,900 crore for two years: 2020-21 and 2021-22.
Union information and broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar addressed a press conference and mentioned that the President and Vice President have also offered to take the pay cut.
Cabinet approves temporary suspension of MPLAD Fund of MPs during 2020-21 & 2021-22 for managing health& adverse impact of outbreak of #COVID19 in India. The consolidated amount of MPLAD Funds for 2 years - Rs 7900 crores - will go to Consolidated Fund of India: Prakash Javadekar pic.twitter.com/Suy20pFLQi
— ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2020
The pay cut will come to effect from April 1.
Interestingly, the announcement came hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi told BJP leaders that the fight against coronavirus is going to be long and they cannot take rest or get tired.
“This is a landmark decision that sends the right signals,” Javadekar told reporters.
The President, Vice President, Governors of States have voluntarily decided to take a pay cut as a social responsibility. The money will go to Consolidated Fund of India: Union Minister Prakash Javadekar https://t.co/ExTFqVJTMa pic.twitter.com/xubj3ObqAn
— ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2020
More than money, it is the gesture that speaks more about it.
The minister explained that an ordinance was required since salaries of MPs and other dignitaries were determined by law. “Charity begins at home,” he said.
