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

Welcoming Centre's decision to cut MPs' salary cut by 30%, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Ahmed Patel, on Monday, said that it was least one could do to help fellow citizens. However, he added that Central government could save Rs 20,000 crores by scrapping Central Vista redevelopment project. India's current Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally stands at 4067 cases, with 109 deaths.

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Centre cuts MPs' salary by 30%

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 Javadekar 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. Javadekar said that an amendment in this regard will be tabled in Parliament once House is back in session, but Ordinance, which temporarily allows law to take effect for six months, kicks into effect change.

Moreover, Modi Cabinet approved temporary suspension of MPLAD Fund of MPs during 2020-21 and 2021-22 for managing health and adverse impact of outbreak of COVID-19 in India. consolidated amount of MPLAD Funds for two years — Rs 7900 crores — will go to Consolidated Fund of India (CFI). CFI is account of revenue Government of India receives — via income tax, Customs, central excise and n-tax revenue — and expenses it makes, excluding exceptional items.  Essentially, a sum of Rs 500 crore from Consolidated fund of India is transferred to Contingency Fund of India for dealing with any emergency situation.

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Coronavirus crisis in India

As of date, 3666 positive cases have been reported of pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19) - 291 have been discharged and Maharashtra reported highest at 690. 109 deaths have been reported till date. India has suspended all visas and barred travel from Afghanistan, Philippines, EU, UK, China, Malaysia and mandatory 14-day quarantine from several or countries. Prime Minister has issued a 21-day countrywide lockdown starting from 23 March to April 15 and Finance Minister has anunced a Rs 1.7 lakh crore pack under 'PM Gareeb Kalyan Scheme'.

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