Better drop the ideas, if you are planning a family wedding at a Rajya Sabha MP's official bunglow. Reason. Barring their blood relations, these bunglows would be out of bounds for any other marriage function.
In view of the reports about "misuse" of such premises in the name of holding weddings, the Rajya Sabha Housing Committee has slammed a ban on MPs allowing weddings in their allotted accommodations. The decision was taken in the Committee's meeting held on November 13 last.
Incensed by the media reports about MP's bunglows being used by some caterers and 'tentwallahs' in collusion with the Members' close aides, the Committee Chairman JP Aggarwal suggested a ban on the practice. The panel was unanimous in its views that " malpractices were being reported in this regard, bringing a bad name to the MPs".
Aggarwal told the Hindustan Times that although the Committee had received no such complaints directly, but it was decided to stop the practice lest it brought bad name to the Members of the Upper House.
The Committee took up the subject while considering a complaint by Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Rajniti Prasad, residing at 191-North Avenue. Prasad had sought a ban on holding social and family functions at the adjacent flat number 193 on the plea that it caused disturbance to his family. This flat had been earmarked for Rajya Sabha MPs to hold weddings and other family functions.
{{/usCountry}}The Committee took up the subject while considering a complaint by Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Rajniti Prasad, residing at 191-North Avenue. Prasad had sought a ban on holding social and family functions at the adjacent flat number 193 on the plea that it caused disturbance to his family. This flat had been earmarked for Rajya Sabha MPs to hold weddings and other family functions.
{{/usCountry}}Subsequently, the Committee decided not to permit any function at 193- North Avenue after December 31, 2006. Only the prior bookings made up to this date would be honoured, the Committee resolved.
Meanwhile, the Committee has also decided to take action against eight MPs against whom complaints have been received for having rented out their official accommodation. Explanation would be sought from them in its next meeting before initiating further proceedings, the Committee sources said.
Email Anil Anand: aanand@hindustantimes.com