Ex-ministers will have to pay more for overstaying in government bungalows

To curb the practice of senior politicians overstaying in government bungalows, the state has increased the rent five-fold.

As per a government circular, after stepping down as a minister, s/he can stay in the government bungalow for free for the next 15 days. "After that, the state authority will charge Rs25 per sqft as against the earlier Rs5 per sqft. This rate will be applicable for three months, after that, it will be Rs50 per sqft for the occupied area as against the earlier Rs15 per sqft," reads the circular.

RTI activist Anil Galgali welcomed the circular and said many politicians refuse to vacate the houses even after stepping down. "The rise in rent will surely curb the practice," he said.