The National Assembly today approved to monetise the vehicle quota for the civil servants by providing a lump sum amount of Nu. 1,60,000. However, members could not come to a consensus as to what should be done with their quota as they deliberated on Parliamentary Entitlement Amendment Bill, today.
The discussion revolved around section 20, which states; ‘a member of parliament shall be entitled for a lump sum amount to purchase a vehicle, free of custom duty, sales tax, green tax and other governmental levies’.
Some expressed that all the taxes should be waived-off as per the Entitlement Bill. However, some argued that it was important to be mindful of the present economic situation.
Some members also said the section 20 should be endorsed as reflected in the bill for the benefit of the future parliamentarians and shall be implemented as when the economic situation improves.
After failing to draw conclusion a nine member committee was formed led by finance minister to review section 20 and give recommendations on Wednesday.
