Jagdeep Dhankhar applies for pension, claims MLA benefits in Rajasthan - why it was stopped in 2019

NEW DELHI: After resigning from his Vice President post, Jagdeep Dhankhar has applied for a pension as a former legislator in Rajasthan, PTI reported. He hade represented the Kishangarh Assembly constituency as a Congress MLA from 1993 to 1998.Dhankhar had earlier received the pension as a former legislator until July 2019, which was discontinued until he was appointed the governor of West Bengal.With his tenure as vice-president ending following his resignation citing "health issues" on July 21, Dhankhar has applied anew to the Rajasthan Assembly secretariat seeking resumption of his pension as a former MLA, officials said. The secretariat has initiated the process, and the pension will be applicable from the date his resignation as vice-president was accepted, they said. The pension for a former MLA in Rajasthan starts at Rs 35,000 per month for a single term and increases with additional terms and age. Those above 70 receive a 20 per cent hike. Dhankhar, now 74, is entitled to a Rs 42,000 pension per month as a former legislator, the officials said.