Southern States - Andhra Pradesh-Hyderabad   

Amenities for ex-MLAs discussed

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD March 31. After a series of representations from the AP Former Legislators Forum, the Government appears to have finally initiated steps to solve their long-pending demands.

The Amenities Committee of the Legislative Assembly which met here on Monday discussed various issues pertaining to former legislators including the increase in pension being paid to them and the medical facilities provided to their families. The meeting was attended among others by the Ministers, Y Ramakrishnudu, T Devender Goud, M Damodar Reddy and Kodela Sivaprasada Rao, the Government Chief Whip, K Venkata Rao, the floor leader of the BJP, N Indrasena Reddy, senior Congress legislator N Varadarajulu Reddy and N Narasimhaiah of the CPI (M).

Briefing reporters on the proceedings of the meeting, the BJP floor leader said that the committee had discussed proposals for enhancing the pension from the present Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000 in addition to providing an annual increment of Rs 400 instead of Rs 200 provided at present, subject to a maximum of Rs 5,000. ''A decision on the issue should, however, be taken by the state Cabinet before taking a final shape,'' he said.

However, sources said that if the proposal was accepted, the commitment on the part of the government for former legislators is expected to exceed that of the sitting MLAs.

The meeting also discussed issues pertaining to former legislators like treatment in corporate hospitals without insisting on payment in advance, provision of medicines to MLAs and their families subject to producing prescription from the doctors and provision of free travel facilities in the RTC buses.

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