Bill to hike MPs' salaries in this session: Pranab

Responding to demands from members for hike in salaries and allowances, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said the government was trying to bring a bill in this regard in this session.

Responding to demands from members for hike in salaries and allowances, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said the government was trying to bring a bill in this regard in this session.

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"This has to be done through a legislation. A bill has to be brought to amend the Salaries And Allowances Of Member Of Parliament Act, 1954... We are trying bring the legislation in this session," Mukherjee said in the Lok Sabha.

His assurance came after members created uproar over the Union Cabinet's deferment of a decision on a proposal to increase the salaries of MPs three-fold from Rs 16,000 per month.

"We are fully aware of the sensitivities of the issue," Mukherjee said.

The Finance Minister said the legislation would "truly reflect" the suggestions made by the Joint Parliamentary Committee in this regard.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad, who has spearheaded the demand, asked Mukherjee not to beat about the bush but give concrete assurance.

"We are ready. Bring the Bill tomorrow, we will pass it in two minutes," he said, leaving Mukherjee smiling.