The House Committee, constituted to examine the demand for enhancement of salaries and allowances of legislators, today convened a meeting at the Assembly Complex, Srinagar. The meeting was presided over by Committee Chairman, Surjeet Singh Slathia, which was attended by members including Ali Mohammad Sagar, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Sajad Gani Lone, Hasnain Masoodi, Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, Arjun Singh Raju and Muzaffar Iqbal Khan.
During the meeting, the Chairman acknowledged the demand for a hike in salaries and allowances of legislators, ex-legislators and assistants, assuring that the matter will be considered positively. He emphasized the need to adopt best practices from other States and Union Territories to address the issue effectively and at the earliest.
The Committee held a detailed discussion on the salary structures of legislators in other states. The members also raised concerns regarding pension-related benefits for ex-legislators and strongly advocated for addressing these issues.
Additionally, the demand for an increase in the allowances of assistants was deliberated upon, with members unanimously supporting the proposal for a revision. The Chairman urged all members to submit their suggestions in writing to contribute constructively to the report.
He informed that a comprehensive report will be submitted to the Assembly ahead of the next session for appropriate consideration and action. The meeting also discussed need for the revisions of house loan and car loans benefits to the legislators.
Issues related to fuel cap for daily use, hike in allowances including stationary, medical, house, sanctuary, Constituency and other allowances was also discussed during the meeting.