30% cut in salaries of MPs, including PM, for one-year
What's the story
In the wake of coronavirus pandemic and its economic repercussions, the Union Cabinet has approved an ordinance to reduce the salaries of all Members of Parliament, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, by 30% for a year, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar said on Monday. Pensions will be reduced too.
This will come to effect from April 1, reports said.
Here's more.
MPLADS
MPLADS suspended for two years, funds diverted to fight coronavirus
Further, the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) will remain suspended for two years.
The period for which MPLADS will remain suspended is 2020-21 and 2021-22. The consolidated amount of these funds, that comes to around Rs. 7,900 crore, will be given to the Consolidated Fund of India for managing health and other adverse impacts of the pandemic, Javadekar told.
Details
President, Vice President voluntarily gave up their fraction of salaries
At the press meet, Javadekar informed that President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and governors of all states voluntarily decided to give up a chunk of their salaries as a social responsibility.
He made the announcement through a video conference.
For the rest of the MPs, the Members of Parliament Act, 1954, will have to be amended to allow the pay cut.
Statement
It's a long battle: PM Modi said earlier today
The big announcement came merely hours after PM Modi, in an address to BJP workers on the party's 40th Foundation Day, said that the battle against the deadly virus is a long one.
"It is going to be a long haul, we don't have to tire, our resolve and mission are to emerge victorious in the fight against this pandemic," he said.
What he said
India's death toll has crossed 100
Meanwhile, addressing press a short while ago, Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry, said India's positive cases have risen to 4,067 and 109 people have died. 1,445 cases are linked to Tablighi Jamaat, he informed.
"63% of deaths have been reported among people over 60 years age, 30% in the age bracket of 40-60 years and 7% victims were below 40 years," he said.