Lok Sabha nods to bill for free air travel by ministers' companions

A bill to provide free air travel to companions and relatives of ministers, in addition to their family members, was today passed in the Lok Sabha without discussion.

The Salaries and Allowances of Ministers (Amendment) Bill 2009 was passed as major opposition parties, including the BJP, the Left, Samajwadi Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal, protested the manner in which legislative business was being run in the House.

The proceedings were at that time disrupted by slogan shouting over the Telangana issue by Congress, Telangana Rashtra Samithi and Telugu Desam Party members.

Amid the din, home minister P Chidambaram moved the bill for consideration and passing and it was adopted by voice vote.

The bill entitles ministers to take along "any number of companions or relatives" by air at the same rates at which travelling allowances were payable to them and their family.

This brings the ministers on par with the facilities given to MPs.

The Statement of the Objects and Reasons of the Bill said it proposed to end the discrepancy between ministers and MPs, and allows the spouse or legitimate or step children, as also the minister's companions or relatives, to travel on their own or with the minister.