Cong opposes Centre suspending MPLAD funds for 2 years, says 'Move to make MPs redundant'

Opposing Centre's move to suspend MPL funds for 2 years, Congress Lok Sabha MP Karti Chidamabaram, on Monday, said that Centre's move was aimed to 'make MPs redundant. Airing similar views, Congress MPs - Randeep Surjewala, Manish Tewari, Shashi Tharoor have also stated that while y accept salary cut, but have heavily opposed suspension of MP-L funds as it was an 'instrument customise micro-level interventions to alleviate distress'. On or hand,  Congress Rajya Sabha MP Ahmed Patel welcomed salary cut but ded that  Central government could save Rs 20,000 crores by scrapping Central Vista redevelopment project.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Centre cuts MPs' salaries by 30%; India's total cases at 4067

Congress opposes MPL fund suspension

He ded, "This is totally unacceptable. se funds are absolutely necessary to fund local area development. Will oppose this arbitrary diktat. whole purpose is to make MPs redundant. This is an assault on legislators.  Scrap all vanity projects of this government."

Congress welcomes Centre's '30% salary cut for MPs'; but ds 'scrap Central Vista too'

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Centre cuts MPs' salary by 30%, suspends MPL

Earlier in day, Central Government decided to slash salaries of Members of Parliament and Union Cabinet Ministers by 30% for one year amid COVID-19 pandemic in India. Union Minister Prakash Javekar informed that Union Cabinet has approved an Ordinance amending salary, allowances and pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954 reducing allowances and pension by 30% w.e.f. April 1 for a year. A law will be introduced in Parliament soon for same.

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Moreover, Modi Cabinet approved temporary suspension of MPL Fund of MPs during 2020-21 and 2021-22 for managing health and verse impact of outbreak of COVID-19 in India. consolidated amount of MPL Funds for two years — Rs 7900 crores — will go to Consolidated Fund of India (CFI). India's current Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally stands at 4067 cases, with 109 deaths.