Thursday, August 25 2005 20:29 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Acknowledging that Indian lawmakers enjoyed lesser privileges and facilities than their counterparts abroad, Government today (Aug 25, 2005) proposed to set up a Commission to decide on salary and allowances of Members of Parliament.

"The present facilities (enjoyed by MPs) are not enough for fulfilling their duties. There is a need to rethink (on the issue)," Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Suresh Pachouri said in his reply to a debate in Rajya Sabha on a private member bill in Rajya Sabha seeking a raise in emoluments for MPs.

He said Indian lawmakers enjoyed much lesser privileges and facilities in comparison with those in other countries.

"There is a need to establish an independent mechanism to go into the whole issue of salary, allowance and incentives given to MPs. Government is considering to set up a Salary Commission," he said.

Pachouri, however, did not give any time frame for setting up of the Commission saying certain procedures need to be followed before such a panel was set up.

"All I can say is that Government is totally committed and you will soon, very soon see results," he said adding that presiding officers of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha would be consulted in the formation of the commission.

Following the reply, hotelier Lalit Suri (Ind), who introduced the Bill three weeks ago, withdrew it after a marathon debate that saw many a member speak eloquently in favour of and against it.