December 10: The National Assembly has decided to increase the salary of the members of the parliament from the existing Nu. 36,000 to Nu. 50,000. The proposal came from the National Council.

This was decided yesterday in the National Assembly.

Some MPs said the parliamentarians should be paid equal to government secretaries. The proposal was supported by several members including cabinet ministers.

The Opposition Leader however said although the parliamentarians have a sacred responsibility, the salary revision has to be done in accordance with the Constitution- that is by following the report of the pay commission.

The Economic Affairs Minister and the Speaker said the discussions are in line with the pay commission’s report. In the pay commission’s report, the parliamentarians are entitled to the same salary as government secretaries who are paid Nu. 60,000. The Economic Affairs Minister said the parliamentarians were paid only Nu. 36,000 until now.

The Opposition Leader said in that case, the government should also look into the salary revision for all civil servants.

After extensive discussions, the house decided to increase the salary of MPs to Nu. 50,445 from July 1, 2010.

The speaker said the salary revision for the cabinet ministers will be discussed at a later date.