Rs. 200 million annual saving from cutting MPs' pensions

Parliamentary sources state that with the abolition of the Members of Parliament's pension scheme, nearly twenty crore rupees will be saved annually. A government spokesperson confirmed that the government expects to utilize these saved funds for social welfare activities, including education and health.

The bill to abolish MPs' pensions was passed in Parliament on April 17 with a majority of 152 votes. With the passing of that bill, the pensions of 519 former Members of Parliament were abolished. Accordingly, parliamentary officials have already taken steps to remove their names from the payrolls.

Among those who lost these pensions are approximately 160 spouses (wives or husbands) of former MPs, and 7 of their children.

The abolition of parliamentary members' pensions is considered the fulfillment of a major promise given to the public by the National People's Power (NPP) during the past presidential and general election campaigns. In addition, the government had previously abolished several other privileges, including official residences and vehicles, provided to former presidents.