Andhra Pradesh

MLCs demand accommodation

HYDERABAD: Delay in providing accommodation to the Members of the Legislative Council came under sharp criticism from the members, who complained that the quarters meant for them were occupied by unauthorised persons.

Raising the issue during a discussion on the Bill to amend the Andhra Pradesh Payment of Salaries and Pension and Removal of Disqualifications Act, 1953 in the Council on Wednesday, members complained that the quarters meant for the legislators were not fit for stay. Charging the Government with failing to show them proper accommodation, the members questioned the safety for their members. B. Mohan Reddy and Sudhakar Reddy (both Independents) said the quarters in Old MLA’s quarters were not suitable for accommodation. “It is easy to win the election than find a house,” Mr. Mohan Reddy remarked.

Members wanted Government to pay Rs. 15,000 per month as House Rent Allowance, if they were not provided accommodation. The Higher Education Minister, who moved the Bill urged the members to pass the Bill and promised to look into their grievances.

Panchayat Raj Minister J. C. Diwakar Reddy clarified that there was no bar on MLC’s to attend Zilla Parishad, MPP and other civic body meetings. He was responding to a spate of questions by the members cutting across party lines. They urged the Government to come out with protocol guidelines to enable them to attend meetings. They complained that they were not invited to participate in the ZP meetings. Leader of the Opposition Dadi Veerabhadra Rao asked whether MLCs would be allowed to attend the meetings in the constituency they represented.

A Bill providing four per cent reservation for social and educationally backward classes among Muslims was unanimously passed.

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