Stalled Budget Sessions In Parliament Cost India Rs 190 Crore

A report by The Financial Express indicates that stalled parliamentary proceedings during the budget session cost India almost Rs 190 crore. The report shows that there was only 25% productivity in the Lok Sabha and 35% productivity in the Rajya Sabha. The report also termed the 22 sittings in the sessions as the worst in a decade. Last year, the number stood 108% in the Lok Sabha and 86% in Rajya Sabha.

The cost of stalled parliamentary proceedings is based on the loss of productivity and expenses in running both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha apart from salaries, allowances and other facilities enjoyed by the parliament members during the stalled proceedings.

The expenses of each parliamentary sitting have been calculated by dividing the total cost of running both the houses during the fiscal year 2018, (excluding the remuneration of MPs) by the number of sittings.

According to The Financial Express, the estimated salaries, allowances, and other financial benefits given to Lok Sabha MPs during the 2018 fiscal year amounted Rs 277.50 crore, which is 5% higher than last year. With regard to Rajya Sabha MPs, the figure was Rs 123,29 crore, which is 4.4% higher than last year.

The budget sessions started on January 29 witnessed a standstill between February 10 and March 5. The session is yet to conclude on April 6. Some of the key issues that needed to be discussed during the budget session were not taken into consideration due to daily disruptions.