Former MLA Tapas De urges upon chief minister to grant honorarium and pensionary benefits to members of local self-government bodies

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, August 11, 2025

Former MLA and Congress-turned-‘Tipra Motha’ leader Tapas De has urged upon the chief minister Dr Manik Saha in a letter to consider granting honorarium and pensionary benefits to the elected members of local self-government bodies like Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, Zilla Parishads and civic bodies of all forms. Justifying his pleas Tapas De said that the elected representatives of local self government bodies are the first responders to crisis situation and embody the front-face of the government in dealing with any exigency of circumstances in dealing with common people. They deserve better treatment and honour and recognition of their service.

Citing reasons for his demand Tapas said that the granting of higher honorarium and pensionary benefits will strengthen democracy and immunise the representatives from corruption. Besides, this step will also encourage talented people to join public service and keep up the benefits of experience, specially if pension benefits are granted. This will also guarantee parity in the public service sector and equal dignity for all elected representatives of the people from state assembly downward. This is also required in the interest of social justice and dignity as the MLAs and MPs who are also elected representatives of people are entitled to monthly salary and pensionary benefits.

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