The Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) has voiced its support for a hike in the salary of the Members of Parliament and said the lawmakers will be able to work for the public only if they are provided with proper funds.
LJP's Ram Chandra Paswan said it is not a sin to ask for a hike if the salary provided is not enough.
"If what is being provided is not enough, it is not a crime to demand a hike," he said.
Citing the areas falling under his constituency, the Samastipur MP further said the fund provided for regional development is also not enough for a lawmaker.
The LJP leader also drew comparison between the salaries of the lawmakers and legislators while stating that the MPs have a wider area to take care of.
A joint committee on salaries and allowances of MPs has recommended an increase in salary from Rs. 50,000 to Rs one lakh.
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It has also proposed increasing constituency allowance and secretarial assistance allowance from Rs. 45,000 to Rs. 90,000 each.
If the proposal is passed by the PMO, this would mean a total increase in the pay and two allowances of the parliamentarians to Rs. 2.80 lakh from Rs. 1.40 lakh.
However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reportedly against the process as he is of the view that MPs should not decide their own salaries and allowances.