New Delhi, May 20 (FN Agency) As an austerity measure, the Election Commission on Friday decided to curtail perks and privileges available to the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners. In a meeting chaired by CEC Rajiv Kumar, a decision has been made not to avail exemption from Income Tax on monthly sumptuary allowance of Rs 34000, given to the CEC and ECs. The CEC and ECs are currently entitled to a monthly sumptuary allowance of Rs 34000 and there is no income tax payable by the CEC and ECs on this allowance.
“Among other things, the Commission reviewed the perks and privileges available to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs), including the Income Tax exemptions given to them on sumptuary allowance,” said the statement. “Commission felt the need of observing austerity in personal entitlements. The Commission unanimously decided that CEC and ECs will not take any income tax benefits presently given to them. It was decided to send the proposal to the Central Government for appropriate action,” it added.