The Congress-led government in Himachal Pradesh has taken a decisive step to prevent disqualified MLAs from receiving pensions. The Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly recently passed the (Allowances and Pension of Members) Amendment Bill 2024, which explicitly states that any member disqualified under the tenth schedule of the Constitution (anti-defection law) will not be eligible for pension. This move follows the disqualification of six Congress MLAs earlier this year.
These six MLAs – Sudhir Sharma, Ravi Thakur, Rajinder Rana, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Chetanya Sharma, and Devinder Kumar – were disqualified after voting in favor of the BJP nominee Harsh Mahajan in the Rajya Sabha elections. Their disqualification stemmed from defying a party whip by abstaining from voting during the budget session and discussions on a cut motion. Subsequent bypolls were held, but only two of the disqualified MLAs, Sudhir Sharma and Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, managed to regain their seats.
The bill’s passage has sparked discussion about financial accountability and political integrity in the state. While this move addresses the issue of disqualified MLAs receiving pensions, the Himachal government has also faced criticism regarding the delay in salary and pension payments to state employees. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu acknowledged the financial struggles and announced a two-month deferment of salaries for himself, ministers, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPS), and MLAs. He attributed these difficulties to financial mismanagement by the previous BJP government, stating that the state exchequer had been depleted through measures such as free electricity and water, and the establishment of numerous health and educational institutions.
The Himachal government has asserted that steps are being taken to address these financial concerns, emphasizing a commitment to financial discipline and resource mobilization to achieve state self-reliance. The new bill and the ongoing financial situation highlight the complex challenges facing the state government in navigating political dynamics, financial management, and ensuring the welfare of its citizens.
