JOIN USWe don't hold office of profit, say AAP MLAs
Twenty-one AAP legislators, holding the office of parliamentary secretaries, told the Election Commission that they have never enjoyed any perks or benefits while discharging their duties.
“It’s an office of loss and not profit,” said one of the parliamentary secretaries, soon after filing his reply before the EC which is examining a petition seeking disqualification of all 21 legislators from Assembly for holding “office of profit”.
“We spend money from our own pocket to photocopy papers and attend meetings,” he said, adding that he had attached a certificate from the Delhi government confirming that no benefits were enjoyed by him as a parliamentary secretary.
Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Alka Lamba, Chandni Chowk legislator, also submitted her reply in the Election Commission.
She also tweeted a letter received from the General Administration Department which gate a clean chit on the issue of getting benefits from government.
“I hv received this letter frm Delhi Govt (GAD) in which its clearly mentioned that I didn't avail any facility,” said Lamba in her tweet.
Similar letters were issued to all the 21 parliamentary secretaries, said an AAP leader.
The certificate issued by GAD Deputy Secretary Krishan Lal said : “I am directed to inform you that no facility viz. Technical Devices, Vehicle, Staff for office, Residential accommodation, Official space, Travelling Allowance or any additional emoluments/reimbursement of any nature in the capacity as Parliamentary Secretary has been provided to you by the GAD.”
Soon after the notices were issue, the 21 parliamentary secretaries met Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who briefed them that there was nothing illegal done by the government and the legislators. He also told them about what line to take in their replies.
The matter was taken to the EC by petitioner Prashant Patel, who alleged that the MLAs should be disqualified for holding the posts, a charge that was “dismissed” by Kejriwal in the meeting.
The EC had given the parliamentary secretaries time till Tuesday to file their replies.
Kejriwal appointed 21 parliamentary secretaries to ministers for "smooth functioning" of the government on March 14, 2015.
The 21 parliamentary secretaries do not receive remuneration from the Delhi government but they are provided transport for official purposes and space in the minister's office to facilitate their work, if needed.
The rival BJP and the Congress have slammed Kejriwal for offering sops to his legislators.
“The Chief Minister is maintaining an expanded cabinet through the back door by having six ministers and 21 parliamentary secretaries,” said Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken.