Oath and Affirmation & Salary & Allowance of Parliamentarians in India: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

For Indians, being a parliamentarian is matter of pride and it’s a prestigious job. But, mostly parliamentarians see it as a job which have a good pay and salary allowances. Indeed, it's a job and for being it, this is our duty to know all the relatable information about it.

If you are preparing for the competitive examinations, then please stay with us till the end of this article.

So, let's start-

Oath and Affirmation of Parliamentarians in India

In India, Parliamentarians are required to take an oath or make an affirmation before taking office. The Oath or Affirmation is laid out in the Third Schedule of the Indian Constitution and is as follows:

"I, [name of particular parliamentarian], do swear in the name of God/solemnly affirm that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established, that I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India, that I will faithfully and conscientiously discharge my duties as a member of the [Rajya Sabha/Lok Sabha] and that I will do right to all manner of people in accordance with the Constitution and the law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will."

The Parliamentarians have the option to either swear in the name of God or make a solemn affirmation, depending on their personal beliefs. The oath or affirmation is a solemn declaration of the Parliamentarian's commitment to the Indian Constitution and their duties as a member of the Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha.

Salary & Allowance of Parliamentarians in India

The salary and allowances of Parliamentarians in India are determined by the Salary, Allowances, and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954, and are revised from time to time. As of 2021, the salary and allowances of Parliamentarians in India are as follows:

• Basic salary: Rs. 70,000 per month
• Constituency allowance: Rs. 49,000 per month.
• Daily allowance for attending Parliament sessions and committee meetings: Rs. 2,000 per day.
• Travel allowance for official travel within India: Airfare or AC first class rail fare, depending on the mode of travel.
• Travel allowance for official travel abroad : Economy class airfare.
• Telephone allowance: Rs. 30,000 per annum.
• Secretarial assistance allowance: Rs. 30,000 per month.
• Pension: Parliamentarians are entitled to a pension after completion of at least five years of service.

These allowances are subject to income tax and other deductions as per the prevailing rules and regulations.

FAQ's

Q1. What is the significance of taking an oath or making an affirmation for Parliamentarians in India?

Ans: The oath or affirmation taken by Parliamentarians in India is a solemn declaration of their commitment to upholding the Indian Constitution and discharging their duties as members of the Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha. It signifies their dedication to serving the people of India and upholding the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution.

Q2. What are the options available to Parliamentarians while taking the oath or affirmation?

Ans: Parliamentarians in India have the option to either take an oath or make a solemn affirmation, depending on their personal beliefs. The content of both the oath and affirmation is the same, with the only difference being the use of the words "swear" and "solemnly affirm" respectively.

Q3. Is it mandatory for Parliamentarians to take an oath or affirmation before taking office?

Ans: Yes, it is mandatory for Parliamentarians to take an oath or make an affirmation before taking office. This is laid out in the Third Schedule of the Indian Constitution and is a legal requirement.

Q4. What are the salary components included in the salary and allowances of Parliamentarians in India?

Ans: The salary and allowances of Parliamentarians in India include basic salary, constituency allowance, office expenses allowance, daily allowance for attending Parliament sessions and committee meetings, travel allowance for official travel within India and abroad, telephone allowance, secretarial assistance allowance, and pension after completion of at least five years of service.

Q5. How is the salary of Parliamentarians in India determined and revised?

Ans: The salary of Parliamentarians in India is determined and revised by the Salary, Allowances, and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954. The Act is amended from time to time to revise the salary and allowances of Parliamentarians based on various factors, such as inflation and changes in the cost of living. The salary and allowances are fixed by the Government of India and are subject to periodic revisions.