COVID-19: President, Prime Minister, MPs To Take 30% Pay Cut For One Year as ‘Social Responsibity’

New Delhi: Taking a step towards the benefit of society amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Union Cabinet on Monday announced that the salary, allowances and pension of all members of Parliament (MPs) will be reduced by 30 per cent, effective from April 1 this year. Also Read – Scientists Convert Structure of Coronavirus Into Soothing Music, Here is Why

The decision was taken based on an Ordinance under the Members of Parliament Act, 1954, and will be applicable for the entire year, said Union Minister Prakash Javadekar. Also Read – Crackers Are Passe, This BJP Leader Fired Shots in Air to Fulfil PM Modi’s ‘9 Baje 9 Minute’ Request, Booked

“The President, Vice President, Governors of States have voluntarily decided to take a pay cut as a social responsibility. The money will go to Consolidated Fund of India,” he said. Also Read – Arjun Kapoor Supports PM Cares, Maha CM Fund, GiveIndia, FWICE in Fight Against COVID-19

The cabinet has also approved temporary suspension of the Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) Fund of parliament members during the next two years – that is, 2020-21 and 2021-22 – for managing health and adverse impact of the deadly COVID-19 in the country.

“The consolidated amount of MPLAD Funds for 2 years – Rs 7900 crores – will go to Consolidated Fund of India,” Javadekar announced.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had chaired a video conference meeting with his cabinet.  Prior to that, he had held another video conference with central ministers.

So far, 4067 coronavirus cases have been reported in India, including 109 deaths.