JD(U) for independent mechanism on MPs' salary hike

With the issue of salary hike of MPs inviting criticism and creating controversies, the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] today took a line similar to that of the Left parties seeking an independent mechanism on it.

JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav said that the government should constitute an independent mechanism on the lines of the pay commission for government servants, to periodically review the salary of MPs and recommend hikes.

Yadav raised the demand in his meeting with finance minister Pranab Mukherjee this morning, sources said.

The Left parties have taken a consistent position that it would not be appropriate for the lawmakers to decide upon their pay and allowances and the job should be entrusted to an independent body.

Yadav also told Mukherjee that it is not proper for MPs to get involved in making recommendations for their salary hike and the route of going through a joint parliamentary committee for the issue is not good.

He said that there should be a separate mechanism keeping MPs out of it which should take such decisions.

Sharad was not present in Lok Sabha yesterday when RJD chief Lalu Prasad and SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav held mock Parliament proceedings after the House was adjourned following an uproar demanding further pay hike for MPs.