( Former CM of Delhi )After his arrest in connection with the excise policy case, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has found himself in a unique situation. With the possibility of losing official perks like a government bungalow and salary, a big question arises—how much pension will Kejriwal receive as a former Chief Minister? Understanding the provisions of pension for ex-CMs of Delhi can provide insight into what financial benefits he may still be entitled to.
Let’s explore the rules governing pensions for former Chief Ministers of Delhi and how they compare to other states in India.
Pension Benefits for Former Delhi Chief Ministers
According to the Delhi Salary, Allowances, and Pension of Members of Legislative Assembly Act, former Chief Ministers of Delhi are entitled to a lifetime pension. The key provisions are:
- Monthly Pension: Former Chief Ministers of Delhi receive a pension amount that is calculated based on their tenure in office.
- Additional Benefits: In addition to pension, some former CMs may also be eligible for allowances, security, and healthcare benefits.
- Changes in Pension Rules: Over the years, the pension rules for ex-CMs have been revised multiple times, affecting the final amount they receive.
- Comparing with Other States: Delhi’s pension structure differs significantly from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra, where ex-CMs receive higher perks and privileges.
How Much Pension Will Arvind Kejriwal Get?
As per the Delhi pension rules, the pension for an ex-Chief Minister is calculated as follows:
- Base Pension Amount: ₹50,000 per month
- Additional Pension: ₹2,000 per month for each year served beyond the first year
- Maximum Limit: No upper cap on pension amount
Estimated Pension Calculation for Kejriwal
| Tenure as CM | Base Pension (₹) | Additional Pension (₹) | Total Pension (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | 50,000 | 0 | 50,000 |
| 2 Years | 50,000 | 2,000 | 52,000 |
| 3 Years | 50,000 | 4,000 | 54,000 |
| 5 Years | 50,000 | 8,000 | 58,000 |
| 10 Years | 50,000 | 18,000 | 68,000 |
Since Kejriwal has been Delhi’s Chief Minister since 2015, he has served nearly 9 years in office. Based on the calculation, his estimated monthly pension will be around ₹66,000 per month.
Do Former Delhi CMs Get Additional Perks?
Unlike some other states, Delhi does not provide lifetime government accommodations to former Chief Ministers. However, there are certain benefits that ex-CMs may still receive:
Benefits for Former CMs of Delhi
- Free Travel Allowance: Some travel expenses may be covered for government-related work.
- Security Cover: Depending on the threat perception, a former CM may get security personnel.
- Medical Allowance: Free medical treatment at government hospitals.
- Office and Staff Allowance: Ex-CMs may receive office support, though it depends on government discretion.
Compared to states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, where former CMs are entitled to government bungalows and staff, Delhi has a much more limited benefit structure.
How Does Delhi’s Pension Compare to Other States?
The pension and perks for ex-Chief Ministers vary across states. Here’s a comparison:
| State | Monthly Pension (₹) | Official Residence | Security Cover | Travel Allowance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 50,000 + ₹2,000/year | No | Conditional | Yes |
| Uttar Pradesh | 40,000 + Benefits | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maharashtra | 50,000 + Benefits | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bihar | 35,000 + Benefits | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Madhya Pradesh | 45,000 + Benefits | Yes | Yes | Yes |
From the table, it is evident that Delhi’s former CMs do not get as many perks as their counterparts in other states.
Can Kejriwal’s Pension Be Revoked?
Under certain circumstances, an ex-CM’s pension can be revoked or stopped. Here’s what could lead to a cancellation:
- Criminal Conviction: If found guilty of a criminal offense and sentenced to a jail term, an ex-CM’s pension may be affected.
- New Policy Amendments: If the Delhi government introduces new rules regarding ex-CM pensions, it could change the current structure.
- Voluntary Declaration: If an ex-CM decides to renounce their pension benefits voluntarily.
However, there is no official rule stating that an arrested Chief Minister automatically loses their pension.
While Arvind Kejriwal may no longer receive a government salary if he ceases to be the Chief Minister of Delhi, he will still be eligible for a pension based on his tenure. As per the current calculations, he is entitled to approximately ₹66,000 per month as an ex-CM. However, unlike other states, Delhi does not provide lifetime government housing or extensive perks to its former Chief Ministers.
Whether his pension continues or is affected by future political decisions remains to be seen, but under current laws, he remains eligible for financial benefits as an ex-CM.