Sops to MLAs : Take loan, get it waived
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 25 2011:
The Salaries and Allowances of Members of the Legislative Assembly (Manipur) 19th Amendment and Validation Bill 2011 which will waive the loans taken by expired, former or sitting MLAs/Ministers was passed by the State Assembly today.
The Bill also encompassed the points already approved by the State Cabinet to waive off loans taken by former and sitting MLAs/Ministers in case of their sudden expiry.
As the Bill was tabled for discussion in the House, senior Member O Joy questioned the rationality of waiving off loans if the expired MLAs happen to be a wealthy one.
Questioning whether it would be in public interest to waive off loans taken by MLAs/Ministers after their expiry, O Joy suggested some changes in the diction and content of the Bill.
Stating that the question of waiving off loans was discussed in Cabinet meetings held now and then, leader of the House O Ibobi said that if the House passes the Bill, there is no need for further discussion in Cabinet meetings on the matter.
He added that there was no harm in changing certains words and phrases of the Bill.