In June 2015, a RTI application revealed that in 2013-14, the Indian government faced a loss of around 14 crore ( over $2 million) – all to the numerous canteens in the parliament complex. This subsidy has in place since 1952 and the facilities are availed of by the Rajya Sabha secretariat, the Lok Sabha secretariat and the media.
The RTI revealed more details about the amount of subsidy for each of the dishes. The crisp fish fry with chips comes at Rs 25 – subsidised by 63 percent, mutton curry at Rs 20 – subsidised by 67 percent, mutton cutlet at Rs 18 – subsidised by 65 percent, a crunchy masala dosa at 6 and boiled vegetables for as little as Rs 5 – both subsidized by 75 percent!
The RTI reply states that the canteens received a subsidy of Rs 10.4 crore, 11.7 crore, 11.9 crore, 12.5 crore and 14 crore in 2009-10, 2010-11, 2012-13, 2013-14 respectively, totaling around Rs 60.7 crore.
Well, it is claimed that around 5,000 people eat there, this includes a lot of employees in working in the lower rings. A MP earns about Rs.50,000 per month as salary, plus other perks, is it justified for them to enjoy a subsidy for a meal?
Can’t the MPs be charged a meal without the subsidy and those who really benefit from the subsidy avail at the subsidized prices?
The common man has dealt with high inflation over the years. Why is that this burden is not borne by the MPs? This question raised a furore a few days ago, but I guess many of us of have forgotten that we work hard to ensure that our MPs can enjoy a meal at subsidised prices.
Come on, let’s start with MPs doing away with their subsidies and let them begin with the canteen subsidy. And, if you would like to voice this demand, you could sign a petition here.
