Hike in pension and salary of Maharashtra State elected MLAs has created furor all across.Reasons are mixed. They are linked to huge loans on the State exchequer, poverty, drought, suicides, less salary to others etc. It is also heard that activist are knocking the doors of Judiciary to issue mandate to nullify this decision.
Debate is also going on as to what is the contribution of MLAs? Just for five years of services, how could they be entitled for pension for full life? What is the mechanism to measure their performances? What about accountability? So on and so forth…
In India, politics is presumed to be, all about social work and sacrifices. They are supposed to work tirelessly not for money, maintaining their calm, be available 24/7 for public grievance redressal, offering them cup of tea, breakfast, lunch and dinner. If they fail, then they have a fear of getting dumped in next election for not being courteous!
Our democracy is built up on four pillars! The people engaged in three other pillars have no such expectations from public. They can earn money as much they wish, live life of their own choice, going for morning walk, having club life in evening, need not be that courteous and still need not be worried about tomorrow till the age of 58 years followed by pension!
Lookout towards public representatives must be changed. All should not be seen corrupt. Politics is not all about hardworking and dedication alone,but also about attracting talent. In politics there is not set mechanism, wherein once you passed an exam, you are selected for the job. They have to face exams everyday and every election! Therefore, giving hike in salary and introducing pension is a welcome move in line with international practices. This would help MLAs to meet out their expenses, taking care of family and also be assured about their future. What about the corrupt practices in other three pillars of democracy? Do we create same furor when their pay hike is considered? Why to blame politicians alone?
It is unfortunate to discuss about apple when decision about orange is taken….