Former VP Dhankhar applies for ex-MLA pension
JAIPUR [Maha Media]: Former vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar has applied for a pension as a former Member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, and the process to approve the same has been initiated by the assembly secretariat.
Dhankhar, who stepped down from the post of vice-president on July 21, had earlier served as an MLA from Rajasthan after being elected to the 10th Rajasthan Legislative Assembly in 1993 from the Kishangarh constituency in Ajmer on a Congress ticket.
During his tenure as a legislator until 1998, Dhankhar also served as a member of the Rules Committee from 1994 to 1997. The rules mandate that every former MLA of Rajasthan is entitled to a monthly pension of Rs 35,000. In addition, there are provisions for an age-related increase.
A former MLA above 70 years of age is eligible for an additional 20% pension, while those above 80 will receive a 30% hike.
As a 74-year-old former MLA, Dhankhar qualifies for the 20% increase, which will translate to a Rs 42,000 monthly pension instead of Rs 35,000. If he crosses 80, the pension amount will further increase by 30%, in line with the rules.
Confirming the development, speaker Vasudev Devnani said Dhankhar's application for pension as a former MLA has been received, and the necessary proceedings are underway. Once the formalities are completed, he will start receiving the pension.
Dhankhar has had a long and distinguished career in public life. Apart from serving as a Rajasthan MLA, he had also been a member of the Lok Sabha and held ministerial positions at the Centre before being appointed the Governor of West Bengal. His elevation to the office of vice-president in 2022 marked the pinnacle of his political journey. With his latest application, he now joins the list of former legislators entitled to pension benefits.
