Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday announced a new set of facilities for all 234 MLAs, including government vehicles, a monthly allowance of Rs 75,000 for fuel, drivers and maintenance,
and Rs 25,000 a month to hire an assistant.
Making the announcement under Rule 110 in the Assembly, the Chief Minister said that the measures were aimed at helping the MLAs travel more easily across their constituencies, address public grievances and monitor government projects.
“MLAs need to travel to their constituencies frequently to address people’s problems. Government vehicle will ensure transparent and corruption free governance,” Vijay said while justifying the expense.
What Will Tamil Nadu MLAs Get?
As announced by the Chief Minister, all the MLAs will be provided with a government vehicle for constituency-related work. The government will also provide Rs 75,000 per month towards the driver’s salary, fuel and vehicle maintenance.
In addition, each MLA will receive Rs 25,000 per month to hire a secretary or assistant for official work.
The government has also announced an increase in the health cover available to elected representatives, from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.
The announcement came after VCK MLA Jothimani said MLAs cannot work effectively without the required logistics support and requested cars for them.
A senior DMK MLA said successive governments had ignored similar requests from legislators, citing financial constraints, as reported by Times of India.
Why These Facilities?
Vijay said that MLAs need to travel frequently within their constituencies to meet people, understand their problems and follow up on government projects. He argued that providing official vehicles would allow legislators to perform these duties without depending on others and would contribute to more transparent and efficient governance.
He added that there are number of MLAs in the current Assembly who have been elected for the first time and come from humble backgrounds. They need a car to discharge their duties as people’s representative, Vijay added.
Announcement Follows MLA’s Request
The decision came after VCK MLA Jothimani raised the issue of logistical difficulties faced by MLAs and sought vehicles to help them discharge their duties more effectively.
The Chief Minister’s announcement was welcomed by the legislators.
TVK ally Congress MLA Tharagai Cuthbert welcomed the decision, saying it had made the MLAs “so happy”. She added that even opposition MLAs would welcome the decision, though, understandably, they might not say so.
(With inputs from agencies)
