Bhubaneswar: In a surprising move, former minister and senior Congress leader Prasad Harichandan has announced that he will not accept the increased allowance for former MLAs, recently approved by the Odisha Assembly.
Speaking at a press conference, Harichandan questioned the rationale behind the three-fold increase in salary and allowances for MLAs and former MLAs, saying it was not “digestible” for the common man. He argued that the increase was being implemented without following the existing rules and regulations, which stipulate that a member cannot receive more than one allowance.
Harichandan pointed out that many ex-MPs and ex-MLAs in the state were receiving multiple allowances, including those who had retired from government service and were also receiving pensions. He cited his own example, saying that when he was elected as an MLA in 2009, he had informed the Assembly Secretariat and the government to stop his allowance and pay him only his salary.
“I do not dislike the increase in salary and allowances, but there is another provision in the state in the field of allowances, which is not being followed,” Harichandan said. “I have always followed the rules and regulations, and I will not accept this increased allowance.”
Harichandan’s decision has been seen as a rare move of integrity and principle, and is likely to put pressure on other politicians to follow suit.
