On September 3, 2024, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu introduced a new bill during the Assembly’s monsoon session. This bill deals with the allowances and pensions of former members of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly.
Purpose of the Bill
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly (Members’ Allowances and Pension) Amendment Bill, 2024, aims to amend the 1971 Act that governs the allowances and pensions for Assembly members. The goal is to uphold democratic values and discourage defections.
Current Situation
The 1971 Act was initially designed to provide allowances and pensions to Assembly members. However, it does not include measures to prevent defections under the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
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To protect the mandate given by the people of the state and address this constitutional issue, it has become necessary to amend the 1971 Act. The bill will be discussed in the Himachal Assembly. After discussion and approval, it will be sent to the Governor for final approval to become law.
Impact on Pension
Currently, former legislators receive a pension of over ₹90,000 per month. This amount includes a basic pension of ₹36,000 and a 159% dearness allowance, making the total around ₹93,000.
If the bill is passed, some former legislators, like Devender Bhutto and Chaitanya Sharma, might face a reduction in their pension benefits. This change is intended to adjust pensions according to the new regulations set by the bill.
