LAHORE, Nov 18: Punjab government has notified an increase in the salary, allowances and other privileges of the chief minister, leader of the opposition, speaker, deputy speaker, ministers, advisers, parliamentary secretaries and members of the Punjab Assembly.

Secretary of the Punjab Assembly, Dr Syed Abul Hassan Najmee, told APP here on Monday that Punjab Governor, Khalid Maqbool, had in view of the price hike, constituted a 5-member committee comprising provincial secretaries to propose new pay structure and allowances for the elected representatives.

He said the governor after detailed discussions and on the recommendation of the committee approved the increase and the Punjab government had consequently issued notifications in this regard.

The revised salary scale will be as under: The first figures show previous salary, while revised salary is shown in brackets:

Chief Minister Rs 21,000, (Rs 39,000); Speaker Rs 20,250, (Rs 37,000); Minister Rs 18,000, (Rs 35,000); Deputy Speaker Rs 18,000, (Rs 35,000); Opposition Leader Rs 18,000, (Rs 35,000); Adviser (Rs 30,000); Parliamentary Secretary Rs 20,000, MPA Rs 4,500, (Rs 10,000).

Dr Najmee said chief minister would not appoint more than five advisers who would perform such functions assigned to them. The CM had also been allowed to appoint such number of parliamentary secretaries as determined by him and they would hold office till the CM so desires.

The Speaker is also allowed to use two official cars maintained at government expense throughout his term of office and for a period of 15 days immediately thereafter. He is entitled to a house rent of Rs 25,000 per month if official residence is not available.—APP