On popular demand from lawmakers in the Parliament, Lok Sabha secretary had written to the Delhi government seeking their exemption from the odd-even scheme for private cars.
Cutting across party lines, several member(s) of parliament (MP) on Monday –the session's first day –had univocally protested their inclusion in the odd-even scheme. Many lawmakers broke the rule by commuting in their even-numbered vehicle and there was a heated debate in the house on the matter.
Minister of state, parliamentary affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi had assured the House that the matter would be taken up with the Delhi government.
The scheme, that started on April 15 of this month, has three more days to conclude.
The letter written by Lok Sabha secretary D Bhalla, seeks exemptions of MPs from the odd-even scheme, citing their commuting inconvenience.
"The letter mentions that the MPs are performing a national service like doctors and lawyers and hence should be exempted from the odd-even scheme," Bhalla said, adding that the letter has asked the Delhi government to judge the matter and take a decision on it.
Bhalla said a second reminder letter has also been sent to the Delhi government, after the first letter did not get a response.
"Buses arranged by the Delhi government were not serving any purpose, since they had to drop the MPs outside the gate, from where another vehicle had to ferry them. Moreover, Rs10,000 was being charged per bus which were provided by the Delhi government," Bhalla said.
An MP Special Bus Service, comprising six buses, were launched by the Delhi government, to drop lawmakers to Parliament on Monday morning were availed by just two lawmakers. The service has been withdrawn now.
Meanwhile, the transport desk of the Parliament has arranged separate vehicles for ferrying the MPs to the Parliament during this period, aside its 25 vehicles.
"We are receiving as many as 550 calls every day seeking details of vehicles arranged for ferrying MPs," a transport desk staff said.
Meanwhile, two BJP MPs, on Wednesday, once again protested against the odd-even scheme.
MP Ram Prasad Sharma came to the Parliament riding a horse, labelling the animal a 'pollution free vehicle'. He was, however, not allowed to enter the Parliament premises on the horse.
Another BJP MP Vijay Goel came to the Parliament in a car pasted with news reports and slogans against the scheme.
Last week, Goel was fined Rs 2,000 for violating the 15-day rule. He was also fined Rs 1,500 for driving without his driving licence and vehicle's insurance papers.
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