Parliament remained fiercely divided on most issues during the winter session but one legislation was cleared without a debate: The Salaries and Allowances of Ministers (Amendment) Bill, 2009.
Even as the government is taking austerity measures, the bill entitles ministers to take along “any number of companions or relatives” for air travel, not exceeding 48 trips a year.
Among those eligible to travel along with a minister are the spouse, wholly dependent legitimate children, step-children, doctors and nursing staff.
The bill provides that the spouse or legitimate children or step-children residing with and wholly dependent on a minister may undertake such air travel alone.
The bill was approved by the Rajya Sabha without discussion. Deputy chairman K Rehman Khan said it was agreed similarly in the business advisory committee.
The Lok Sabha, too, had passed the bill without debate on December 18.
The bill proposes to end the discrepancy between ministers and members of Parliament.
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