Uttarakhand Assembly Passes Bills on MLA Perks and Property Damage

The Uttarakhand Assembly passed a bill increasing MLAs' salaries and allowances, providing cashless treatment in leading hospitals. The session also saw the approval of six more bills, including one on recovering property damage costs. Opposition members walked out, dissatisfied with the government's disaster relief efforts.

The Uttarakhand Assembly on Friday approved legislation to boost the salaries and allowances of MLAs and provide them with cashless medical treatment at major hospitals.

The three-day monsoon session, which concluded on Friday, also saw the passage of six additional bills, including one aimed at recovering damages for property vandalism.

A supplementary budget of Rs 5,013.05 crore, tabled on Thursday, was adopted despite opposition walkouts. Discontent stemmed from perceived inadequate government response to natural disaster relief across the state.

Key provisions of the Uttarakhand State Legislative Assembly Miscellaneous Amendment Bill will grant MLAs cashless treatment via golden cards, effective retroactively from April 1, 2022. Major state hospitals, along with top Delhi medical facilities, will be included under the law.

Additional benefits allocated to MLAs include Rs 30,000 in monthly railway coupons and increased telephone and driver allowances. Uttarakhand Finance Minister Premchand Aggarwal disclosed these amendments were based on internal committee recommendations, albeit not all proposed changes were adopted.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami explained the supplementary budget aims to meet annual financial goals and alleviate state debt, with an eye toward fostering a robust economy for future generations.

The Public Property Damages Recovery Bill was introduced following riots in Banbhoolpura, Haldwani. It mandates recovering public property repair costs from rioters, according to CM Dhami.

(With inputs from agencies.)