Jagdeep Dhankhar Applies For Rajasthan MLA Pension After Resigning As Vice President

Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has applied for a pension as a former member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, officials confirmed. Dhankhar had represented the Kishangarh Assembly constituency as a Congress MLA from 1993 to 1998. He was previously receiving a pension as a former legislator until July 2019, which was discontinued following his appointment as the Governor of West Bengal.

After stepping down as Vice President on July 21, Dhankhar submitted a fresh application to the Rajasthan Assembly secretariat for the restoration of his pension. Officials said the process has begun, and the pension will be effective from the date his resignation as Vice President was formally accepted.

In Rajasthan, a former MLA with one term is entitled to a minimum pension of Rs 35,000 per month, with increments for additional terms and age. Beneficiaries above 70 receive a 20% increase. At 74, Dhankhar is eligible for a monthly pension of Rs 42,000.

Eligible for Three Pensions

Officials noted that Dhankhar qualifies for three pensions: as a former Vice President, a former MP, and a former Rajasthan MLA. His tenure as West Bengal Governor does not carry pensionary benefits, though he is entitled to a monthly reimbursement of Rs 25,000 for secretarial staff.

As a one-term MP, Dhankhar will receive Rs 45,000 per month in pension along with other allowances. His pension as Vice President is nearly Rs 2 lakh per month, which includes a Type-8 bungalow and staff support comprising a personal secretary, an additional personal secretary, a personal assistant, a physician, a nursing officer, and four attendants. In case of a former Vice President's death, their spouse is eligible for a smaller Type-7 residence.

Surprise Resignation

Dhankhar resigned as Vice President on July 21, the opening day of the Monsoon session, citing health reasons. His unexpected resignation prompted speculation, with the Congress describing it as "totally unexpected" and suggesting there were "far deeper reasons" beyond the health explanation. The party noted that while his resignation reflected well on Dhankhar, it raised questions about those who supported his election.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also commented on the resignation, stating she believed Dhankhar's health was "absolutely fine" and hinting there may be more to the development than publicly stated.

Some sources indicated that Dhankhar's acceptance of an Opposition-backed move to remove Justice Yashwant Verma, following the recovery of massive cash from the judge's Delhi residence in March, could have triggered the chain of events leading to his sudden resignation.

(With PTI inputs)