MPs give up Parliament canteen subsidy (for the second time)
On Thursday, parliamentarians unanimously decided to forgo the subsidy they avail at the Parliament's canteen, which had long been a subject of controversy. According to reports, the decision was taken unanimously by all Members of Parliament on the suggestion of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The issue of subsidy had also recently been raised amid the JNU fee hike controversy. Here are more details.
Decision made during Lok Sabha's Business Advisory Committee: Report
According to India Today, all MPs decided to relinquish the subsidy during a meeting of Lok Sabha's Business Advisory Committee, sources said. The sources also told the publication that this could help save Rs. 17 crore every year. Food in the Parliament's canteen will now be served at its actual cost, however, the new rates are yet to be released.
What are the current subsidized food rates at the Parliament?
Till now, the MPs had been paying Rs. 2 for a chapatti, Rs. 5 for a cup of coffee, Rs. 6 for bread and butter, Rs. 7 for boiled rice, Rs. 12 for a plain dosa and Rs. 14 for soup. Among the relatively expensive items on the menu are tandoori chicken (Rs. 60), and a Hyderabadi chicken biryani (Rs. 65).
Amid JNU fee hike, Parliament food subsidy issue raised again
The Parliament food subsidy has long been contentious. There was a huge furore when, in 2015, it was revealed that food facilities to MPs are subsidized to the extent of 80%. Just recently, screenshots of the subsidized rate card were widely shared on social media to argue in favor of subsidized education amid a controversial proposal to hike the fee at Jawaharlal Nehru University.
In 2015, Lok Sabha MP called to remove food subsidy
In July 2015, then Biju Janata Dal Lok Sabha MP Baijayant 'Jay' Panda had written to the House Speaker, calling to remove the food subsidy. Panda said it was "a right step in effecting greater public trust."
In 2015, Lok Sabha said it will remove subsidy
In 2015, the Lok Sabha in a statement claimed that it has directed the Joint Committee on Food Management in Parliament House Complex to look into the matter. It was said the rates would be increased and sold at the actual cost of making, effective January 1, 2016. It was also said that the rates would be regularly reviewed. Clearly, that didn't happen.
Northern Railway demanded Rs. 16.43cr for running Parliament canteens: RTI
Separately, the Northern Railway had demanded Rs. 16.43 crore from the Lok Sabha Secretariat for running four canteens in the Parliament, an RTI query revealed earlier this year. The amount was claimed for fiscal 2017-18 as "subsidy claim and establishment cost."
