UP Cabinet nod to bill on bungalows for ex-CMs

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a legislation that will allow former chief ministers to continue occupy government bungalows even after demitting office.

On August 1, the Supreme Court directed six former UP CMs to vacate their bungalows in Lucknow in two months and pay the rent at market rate for the period falling under unauthorised occupation, or face eviction.

As per the new law that the government will bring in the Assembly session starting from August 22, former CMs can retain the state accommodation for life.

The affected ex-chief ministers include Union home minister Rajnath Singh, Rajasthan governor Kalyan Singh, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati and Congress leaders N.D. Tiwari and Ram Naresh Yadav. The state cabinet has approved changes in the Uttar Pradesh Ministers (Salaries, Allowances and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1981. Under the original version, any former CM was supposed to vacate his or her official residence in 15 days of demitting office.