Pension of former Vice-Presidents enhanced

New Delhi, Oct 24 (UNI) Former Vice-Presidents of India will be entitled to a pension at the rate of 50 per cent of their salary per month with effect from January 1, 2006.

A bill amending the Vice-President's Pension Act, 1997, introduced and passed by the Lok Sabha by voice vote, also entitles the former VPs to have a private secretary, an additional private secretary and an extra peon.

Further keeping in view inflation over the years, it also increases office expenses from Rs 12,000 per annum to Rs 60,000 per annum.

Besides the spouse of the deceased Vice-President will be entitled to unfurnished accommodation without maintenance.

One of the other two bills which were taken up and passed by voice vote without discussion provided for enhanced the emoluments and allowances of the Governors.

The other one entitled the Chairman of the Council of States to get Rs 1,25,000 per month with effect from January 1, 2006 in parity with the emoluments likely to be payable to President of India and Governor of a state.

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