LAHORE, July 1: The bill meant for almost doubling the salary package of Punjab assembly members was finalised and sent to the chief minister for approval here on Saturday.

The bill is scheduled to be tabled in the assembly for approval on Monday. It was finalised by Law Minister Basharat Raja after its perusal by the assembly’s standing committee.

The assembly has already passed a bill extending free medical facility to parents of legislators during its current budget session which, sources said, is expected to be prorogued after adoption of the law about raise in their salaries and allowances.

The Punjab Assembly members are already drawing more salaries and allowances than their counterparts in the NWFP and Balochistan.

According to sources, the bill provided for 15 per cent increase in basic pay of MPAs as has been announced for civil servants as dearness allowance by the federal government. Major increase would be made in their allowances. The increase would cost an additional Rs100 million to the province, they claimed.

They said at present an MPA was getting around Rs25,000 per month, which would most probably be increased to Rs40,000 a month. In addition to salary all assembly members also get an average Rs171,500 as annual TA/DA and sources said this allowance would too be increased.

The present per annum salary of speaker is Rs1.35 million. In addition to this, he is allowed Rs10,000 monthly calls each in his office and home, utility bills, and Rs50,000 discretionary fund. His monthly salary is Rs37,000, sumptuary allowance Rs6,000, house rent Rs25,000, equipment allowance Rs5,000 and daily allowance during sessions Rs550.

After increase, he is expected to get an annual salary package of Rs2.71 million.

The present salary package of the deputy speaker is stated to be Rs1.75 million which would reportedly increase to Rs2.15 million.

In addition to the salaries and allowances, the battery of ministers, special assistants, and parliamentary secretaries in Punjab get official vehicles, offices and staff.