There is a famous Punjabi proverb: 'Andha ban'te rewriyan, mur apniyan nu' (The blind man distributes the rewriyan, but repeatedly gives them to his own people).
Although this proverb is now being implemented everywhere, it has become a popular phrase after the bill passed in the Punjab Assembly on 16th December 2024.
On December 16, 2024, the 19th session of the Punjab Assembly was held under the chairmanship of Speaker Mr. Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman presented a bill proposing a massive increase in the salaries of assembly members. Despite several objections raised by the Leader of the Opposition, Malik Muhammad Khan Bhachar, the bill was passed with a heavy majority.
Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan approved the bill, declaring the increase as his constitutional right. The bill proposes a 426% increase in the monthly salary of a Provincial Assembly member (MPA), raising it from 76,000 rupees to 4 million rupees.
The salary of a provincial minister was increased by 860%. His monthly salary rose from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 9.6 lakh. Advisors' salaries increased from Rs. 1 kakh to Rs. 6.65 lakh. The Speaker's monthly salary rose from Rs. 1.25 lakh to Rs. 9.6 lakh, while the Deputy Speaker's monthly salary increased from Rs. 1.2 lakh to Rs. 7.75 lakh.
Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has declared the bill to increase salaries as his constitutional right. According to the Speaker, the bill is in accordance with the 1972 Parliamentary Act. He further stated, "This bill is in line with existing laws, and the government's decision is a positive and appropriate step."
The Speaker of the Punjab Assembly added, "According to the bill, their salaries were increased in 2019, but it was insufficient. Therefore, the bill to increase their monthly salaries has been approved."
Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has declared the bill to increase salaries as his constitutional right. The Speaker stated that the bill aligns with the 1972 Parliamentary Act." He further stated, "This bill is in line with existing laws, and the government's decision is a positive and appropriate step."
The Speaker of the Punjab Assembly added, "Although their salaries were increased in 2019, but it was deemed insufficient. Therefore, the bill to increase their monthly salaries has been approved."
A question arises here - what is the reason behind the significant increase in the salaries of Assembly members, who already have a good background and enjoy several privileges.? Apparently, the answer is 'Inflation.'
Yes, it's the inflation, the low level of which the government apparently claims. The same inflation that affects everyone, from a daily wage earner to a government employee, whose salaries and pensions are increased by merely 10-20% each year, which the government claims as an accomplishment.
If the members of the assembly, who already receive lakhs in salaries and privileges, face difficulties due to this inflation, then what would be the state of a common employee or daily wage earner.??
It is admitted that an increase in salaries is the 'constitutional right' of assembly members, but there are also some 'constitutional responsibilities.' People are being forced to commit suicide due to inflation and economic instability. Meanwhile, the government's elite are focusing on improving their own conditions instead of addressing the country's economic situation. In the current circumstances, instead of controlling inflation, the government is exploiting the public's money by imposing taxes even on basic necessities like sewage and matchsticks, and plundering the national treasury.
Due to the negative thinking and approach of the rulers, the beloved country and its nation are drowning in the quagmire of debt from international financial institutions, with interest upon interest. The situation has now reached the point where national assets, airports even highways are being privatized and mortgaged. Every day, some institution or other is being privatized.
In a country where the minimum wage for employees is Rs 38,000 only on paper, no institution actually pays this amount monthly. There is no government mechanism to implement this minimum wage. Under these circumstances, the significant increase in the salaries of assembly members is astonishing. It's like throwing a lavish feast in a sweet shop_ utterly extravagant and unjustified.
The government must show compassion to the nation and take concrete steps towards establishing a genuine Islamic welfare state, as this is crucial for the country's security, stability, and the people's progress and well-being.