ISLAMABAD, Feb 23: The National Assembly was informed here on Wednesday that the government had allocated Rs119 million in 2004-05, for perks and privileges of 33 federal ministers, 26 ministers of state, 33 parliamentary secretaries and advisers to the prime minister.

The information was placed before the house by the government in response to a question by MNA Hanif Abbassi. The following are the details of the perks and privileges:

A sum of Rs50.45 million was allocated for the federal ministers and ministers of state. Of the allocation, the ministers would receive Rs17 million in lieu of pay, Rs16.7 million as allowances and Rs16.75 million as travelling and daily allowances.

In addition, the federal ministers and advisers with the status of federal ministers are entitled to a one-time Rs5,000 equipment allowance; free use of a 1600cc car for self and family; free furnished house during term of office with a furnishing limit of Rs100,000/-; payment of Rs40,000 per month as house rent; daily allowance of Rs550 during official tour within the country; leave salary of Rs20,250 per month for three months; one free telephone at office and residence for free calls within the country; actual economy class fare for economy travel and a discretionary grant of Rs600,000 per annum.

The ministers of state and advisers to the prime minister with the status of state minister are entitled to the same perks and privileges with their discretionary grant being Rs400,000 per annum.

For parliamentary secretaries, during the year 2004-05, the government allocated Rs59.98 million for pay, allowances and travelling allowance. Of the allocation, Rs9 million would be spent on the pay of the parliamentary secretaries, Rs10.43 million on allowances and Rs39.744 million for transportation and travel.

Other perks and privileges enjoyed by the parliamentary secretaries include a 1300cc car with 360 litres of petrol per month; house allowance at the rate of Rs2,000 per month; daily allowance of Rs800 during official tours within the country; telephone at office with a limit of Rs10,000 per month; telephone at residence with a limit of Rs10,000 per month; honorarium of Rs7,000 per month; office maintenance allowance of Rs8,000 per month.