Government buys peace; agrees to look into MPs' salary demand
21 Aug 2010
Opposition members of Parliament today ended their protest against what they claimed a meagre hike in salary after finance minister Pranab Mukherjee assured them to look into their demands.
Mukherjee today held a meeting with leaders of the opposition BJP, RJD and SP and assured them that the government is ready to address their concerns.
NDA convener Sharad Yadav told the Lok Sabha that the assurance from Pranab Mukherjee has resolved the issue.
"The matter regarding the hike in the salary of MPs has been resolved," Yadav said. "The House will now function as per rules," he added.
Opposition MPs belonging to the BJP, SP, RJD and JD (U) are demanding a 500 per cent hike in their salary from the present Rs16,000 per month to Rs80,000 a month.
Besides members of Parliament receive various allowances and perks, including free accommodation, travel and communication facilities etc.
