View of the J&K Assembly
Credit: https://jkla.neva.gov.in/
Srinagar: More than two months after taking office, the newly elected Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory (UT) are still waiting for their first salary.
With the UT still grappling with the effects of the revocation of its special status under Article 370 in August 2019, technical issues have added to the confusion.
Amid mounting uncertainty, the matter has caught the attention of the Legislative Assembly’s Speaker, Abdul Rahim Rather.
Concerned by the delay, the Speaker has formally written to the Jammu & Kashmir government, seeking clarification on the legal provisions that govern MLA salaries.
Sources said the Speaker’s letter was sent to the administrative secretary of the Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Department, asking for urgent clarity on the issue. They added that the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) administration is expected to issue a decision soon, not only on the perks of the legislators but also on the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), as an exercise is underway.
“The Legislative Assembly has the power to introduce a bill to enhance the salary and allowances of MLAs if the current provisions are deemed insufficient,” sources explained.
According to Section 31 of the J&K Reorganisation Act 2019, the L-G must determine the salaries of MLAs until the J&K Assembly enacts its own law on the matter. The Assembly retains the authority to propose changes to MLA salaries and allowances.
When the Legislative Assembly of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir was dissolved in November 2018, legislators received a CDF of Rs 3 crore per year, along with Rs 1.6 lakh in monthly perks, which included a salary of Rs 80,000 and equal allowances.
Sources said the government is currently studying CDF guidelines from other states and UTs, with an order expected soon. Since MLAs already receive a Rs 3 crore CDF annually, it is likely to remain the same or increase.
The salaries and allowances for the MLAs became due from October 10, when the Election Commission notified the names of the elected members. However, some MLAs told DH that they have yet to receive any salary or allowances.
“There has been no communication from the government regarding this. We are also yet to receive travel or sitting allowances for the five-day session held from November 4-8,” they said.