Discussions on bill for privileges to Ex-VVIPs

Kathmandu - The State Affairs Committee (SAC) under the Legislature-Parliament has today begun discussions in principles on the bill drafted regarding the privileges to Ex-VVIPs. Minister for Home Affairs Janardan Sharma had briefed the meeting regarding the provisions of the bill to provide the privileges to former VVIPs. 

The bill under discussion proposes Rs 200,000 a month for house rent, Rs 50,000 for monthly allowance and Rs 25,000 for vehicle repair for the former President. 

Similarly, the bill proposes Rs 75,000 for house rent, Rs 40,000 as monthly allowance, Rs 25,000 for vehicle repair for former Vice-President. 

Likewise, former Prime Ministers, former speakers and former National Assembly chairpersons will also receive Rs 75,000 for house rent, Rs 25,000 for vehicle repair. 

Registering an amendment to the Bill, lawmakers Rajib Bikram Shah and Kalpana Chaudhary, proposing that country's former lawmakers should be provided with parks and facilities as the provision is in place in SAARC countries. 

Lawmaker Prem Suwal registered an amendment to the Bill, proposing scrapping the provision to provide privileges to ex-VVIPs (including Prime Minister, Speaker, and Chief Justice) except former President and Vice President, as he argued that the provision was not necessary, with the possibility available for them to return to active politics. 

Lawmaker Gangalal Tuladhar viewed that a subcommittee should be formed, and a conclusion to this effect could be reached after consultation with experts in related field. 

Discussions in principles on the Bill have started, and further discussions would be held in next meeting, said the Committee President Dil Bahadur Gharti.