Indian Parliament gives nod for ministers' relatives and companions to avail free air travel

According to a PTI report, Ministers will now be able to take any number of companions or relatives along by air for free, with the Indian Parliament giving a nod to the Salaries and Allowances of Ministers (Amendment) Bill providing such facilities to them.

The bill entitles Ministers to take along ‘any number of companions or relatives’ by air at the same rates at which travelling allowances were payable to them and their family. This brings the Ministers at par with the facilities given to MPs. The Bill was approved by the Rajya Sabha without any discussions, and then passed by the Lok Sabha on December 18, 2009, also without any discussion.

The Statement of the Objects and Reasons of the bill said it proposed to end the discrepancy between Ministers and MPs and allow the spouse or legitimate children or step-children, as also the Minister's companions or relatives, to travel on their own or with the Minister.