Raj Bhawan's no to UP bill for hike in ex-legislators' pension

Lucknow, Mar 6 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh governor T V Rajeswar has refused assent to a bill passed by the state legislature on February 26, hiking the pension and railways coupon facilities to former legislators.

On the other hand, the Mulayam Singh Yadav government is contemplating bringing an amendment bill in the assembly on the next sitting to provide 'minority' status to Maulana Mohammad Ali Jahaur University, Rampur.

According to sources, Raj Bhawan refused to give its accord to the UP State Legislature (Members Pension and Emolument) Bill 2007, saying it was passed after election model code of conduct was enforced in UP.

The seven phase UP assembly poll dates were announced by the Election Commission (EC) on Februrary 21, while the bill was passed by the state legislature on Februrary 26.

The bill hikes monthly pension of ex-legislators from Rs 3000 per month to Rs 5000 per month along with yearly increment of Rs 500 and hike of free railways coupon from Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 per year.

Mr Yadav is likely to bring another amendment bill in the assembly, expected to sit again on March 12, to provide minority status to Mohammad Ali Jahuar University, the bill for which was passed in 2006.

A dream project of state urban development minister Mohd Azam Khan, the varsity is coming up in private sector after Raj Bhawan turned down the government wish to build the varsity with government funds.

Meanwhile, sources said the house session can be pre-poned and can be held anytime this week.

UNI