Parl panel holds talks with govt on MPs’ pay

A Parliamentary panel, which had recommended a considerable raise in the salary and allowances of MPs, on Wednesday held a discussion with the representatives of Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs amid indications that the government is willing to accept a number of its demands. However, members remained tightlipped about what transpired in the meeting. The Ministry had drafted a proposal for the Union Cabinet for its consideration with recommendations to increase the salary of an MP from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh, constituency allowance from Rs 45,000 to Rs 90,000 and secretarial assistance plus office allowance from Rs 45,000 to Rs 90,000.