Stop pension of MPs, legislators: NSF

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 6: National Sikh Front (J&K) has demanded that pension of MPs and legislators ( MLAs/MLCs) be stopped as it is an extra burden on the public exchequer.
Addressing a joint press conference here today, chairman of the Front, Varinderjeet Singh and president Kulwant Singh Bhatti said that both Central and State Governments have stopped the pension of the employees in view of deteriorating economic conditions but Government never thought about stoppage of pension of these `favourites’. They said Central Government stopped the pension in 2004 while J&K in 2010. The Government always claims that it has no money for employees’ salaries, DA and Pay Commission arrears but on the other hand it continues to offer pension, pay hike and other benefits to the legislators and MPs.
The Front leaders further pointed out that a Government employee works for 30 years or more and serves the nation and the Government is not now giving him pension but it is surprising that an MLA pr MP who serves even for 6 months or four years, is given pension and other benefits throughout the life. This shows the bias attitude and selfish motive of the Government and the people sent to the Parliament/ Legislature by the public for enacting laws.
“In the eyes of law all are equal in the country and no one should be given extra benefit. Either Government should review its decision of stopping pension in favour of employees or stop pension of MPS/MLAs immediately,” they said.
While welcoming Centre’s decision of giving nod to Anand Marriage Act for Sikh community, the NSF leaders demanded that this Act should also be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir as the State has yet to take decision on it due to its separate constitution.