Ex-MLAs demand medical allowance, cheaper loans, plots in Panchkula

A delegation of Haryana’s Former Legislators’ Association met Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan today to present a memorandum outlining their demands, including revised pensions, medical allowances, loans at cheaper rates and residential plots in Panchkula.

The Speaker assured the delegation that their concerns would be forwarded to the state government. He also directed the collection of data from other legislative Assemblies to evaluate the demands.

The delegation was led by Association president Rambir Singh and general secretary Ranbir Mandola. They highlighted the challenges faced by former legislators, including neglect by government officials. The Speaker reiterated the importance of treating former lawmakers with dignity and respect.

The Association proposed a monthly medical allowance of at least Rs 20,000 for outdoor treatments and the issuance of cashless cards for indoor treatments, citing similar provisions in Chhattisgarh.

Mandola emphasised that former legislators above 60 face difficulties in obtaining bank loans. He proposed a Rs 25-lakh loan facility through the Assembly for car purchases or house repairs at a 4% interest rate, with recoveries made via pensions, similar to schemes in Himachal Pradesh.

Highlighting the steep rise in fuel prices, the Association demanded an increase in travel allowances from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000 per month. They pointed to benefits in other states like Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand, where former legislators receive Rs 2-3 lakh annually for travel.

The delegation urged the government to provide residential plots in Panchkula under a "No Loss, No Profit" scheme for group housing societies.

The Association demanded the removal of the Rs 1 lakh pension cap introduced in 2016, along with a revision of allowances, including dearness allowances. They also proposed adopting a tiered pension increase system like Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, which grants additional pension percentages starting at age 65.

The Association requested servant and telephone allowances in line with Chhattisgarh. They also suggested introducing a "hospitality allowance" to help former legislators manage visitors and their social responsibilities.

“Pensions for former legislators have not been revised for years. Rising costs and enhanced benefits in other states make it necessary for Haryana to address this issue urgently,” said Mandola.

He added, “Special provisions should be introduced to support the role of former legislators in social and cultural activities, ensuring they can meet their commitments effectively.”

The Speaker assured that all demands would be examined and appropriate steps would be taken after gathering comparative data from other states.

Several former legislators were present at the meeting.