After luxury flats at nominal rent, Gujarat MLAs to get higher allowances now

Recently, MLAs across party lines were allotted luxury flats equipped with master bedrooms, living rooms and modern amenities. Now, Gujarat government has initiated deliberations to further increase their travel and other allowances.

Following the allotment of these luxury flats, discussions have now begun on increasing MLAs’ travel and other allowances. A committee meeting was recently held at the Assembly to deliberate on hiking railway and air travel allowances, office-related expenses and other benefits. 

At present, MLAs are entitled to dearness allowance, attendance allowance during Assembly sessions, travel allowance and conveyance allowance. The committee has also reviewed the allowances paid to MLAs in other states to assess how much Gujarat legislators’ benefits can be increased. A final decision will be taken after consultations with the government.

It is learnt that the committee is likely to meet again around the time the Gujarat Assembly’s budget session begins on the 16th, and might formalise the increase in allowances.

Allowances availed by MLAs

- Dearness allowance

- Telephone allowance

- Office, railway and air travel allowance

- Allowance for attending Assembly sessions and committee meetings

Earlier, MLAs from the BJP, Congress and AAP were allotted newly constructed luxury flats in Gandhinagar. In total, 216 such luxury flats have been built exclusively for MLAs.

The monthly rent for these luxury flats is strikingly low—cheaper than the cost of a milk pouch. MLAs are charged just ₹37.50 per month for the modern accommodation. In addition, they receive car allowances at the rate of ₹11 per litre for petrol, ₹10 per litre for diesel and ₹9 per litre for CNG.

The flats allotted to MLAs in Gandhinagar come with extensive facilities, including two master bedrooms, a living room, three bedrooms furnished with 43-inch LED TVs and table network connections, a kitchen, dining area, office room, waiting room, balcony, dressing room, bathrooms and toilets, along with a separate servant room. 

The residential complex also offers landscaped gardens, a play area, an auditorium, a health club, canteen, community hall and a swimming pool.