Bill on higher allowance to Parliamentary Secy passed

Puducherry,Apr 3 (UNI) The Legislative Assembly today passed the Parliamentary Secretary (Payment of Special Allowance and Prevention of Disqualification) Amendement Bill 2008.

The Bill envisages enhancement of allowance to the Parliamentary Secretary vanying from Rs 150 to Rs 1,500 per month and at the same time prevents any disqualification.

Participating in a discussion, Mr S P Sivakumar (DMK) wanted a hike in the salaries of the legislators as it would prevent corruption.

Mr Anbazhagan (AIADMK) cautioned that it should be ensured the Parliamentary Secretary was not holding two offices of profit.

He pointed out the example of issuing notice to AICC President Sonia Gandhi. Objecting this, Welfare Minister M Kandasamy urged the Speaker to expunge Mr Anbazhagan's remarks leading to heated exchanges in the House.

Bringing order in the House, Mr Radhakrishnan put the Bill to vote. It was passed by voice vote.

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