(Former CM of Delhi) : With Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal currently under scrutiny and facing legal challenges, many are wondering about the financial benefits he is entitled to as a former CM. Unlike other states where former chief ministers receive hefty perks, Delhi follows a different set of rules when it comes to pensions, official residences, and post-retirement benefits.
In this article, we break down the pension and perks a former Delhi CM receives and how it compares to other states. If you’re curious about whether Kejriwal will receive a hefty pension or nothing at all, read on to find out the exact provisions and eligibility criteria.
No Official Residence or Salary After Tenure: What’s the Rule?
One of the key differences between Delhi and other states is that former chief ministers do not get an official residence for life. In many states, ex-CMs continue to enjoy government accommodations even after leaving office, but Delhi does not offer such a provision.
Additionally, once a CM steps down, they stop receiving a salary. While many believe that former CMs continue getting paid, the truth is that their monthly salary ceases immediately after leaving office. However, pensions are a different matter.
How Much Pension Does a Former Delhi CM Get?
In Delhi, the pension for former chief ministers is determined based on their tenure. The amount they receive depends on the number of years they have served in office.
Here’s a breakdown of the pension formula:
- Base Pension Amount: ₹50,000 per month for the first year in office.
- Additional Benefit: ₹2,000 extra per month for each additional year served as CM.
- Maximum Pension: No specific cap mentioned, but it depends on tenure.
- Other Perks: Limited allowances for office expenses, travel, and security.
Now, let’s compare Delhi’s pension system with other major states.
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Pension Comparison: Delhi vs Other States
| State | Base Pension Amount (Per Month) | Additional Per Year | Official Residence | Other Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹50,000 | ₹2,000 | No | Limited |
| Uttar Pradesh | ₹25,000 | ₹8,000 | Yes | Security, Travel |
| Maharashtra | ₹50,000 | ₹3,000 | Yes | Travel Allowance |
| Rajasthan | ₹35,000 | ₹2,500 | Yes | Medical Benefits |
| Bihar | ₹40,000 | ₹3,000 | Yes | Office Allowance |
| Madhya Pradesh | ₹40,000 | ₹1,500 | Yes | Security, Medical |
| Tamil Nadu | ₹30,000 | ₹2,500 | Yes | Housing, Travel |
From the table, it is evident that Delhi’s pension scheme is lower than in many states. While some states offer additional benefits like government accommodation and security, Delhi’s ex-CMs only receive a pension with minimal perks.
Will Arvind Kejriwal Get a Pension?
According to Delhi government rules, Arvind Kejriwal will qualify for a monthly pension of ₹50,000, since he has served over a year as Chief Minister. Additionally, since he has been CM multiple times, his pension will increase by ₹2,000 per month for every additional year served.
Estimating Kejriwal’s Total Pension:
- Tenure: Over 9 years (from 2013 to 2024, excluding brief resignations)
- Base Pension: ₹50,000
- Additional Benefit: ₹2,000 × 8 years = ₹16,000
- Total Monthly Pension: ₹66,000 per month
This means that Arvind Kejriwal will receive ₹66,000 per month as a pension, which translates to approximately ₹7.92 lakh annually.
Other Benefits for Former Delhi CMs
Although Delhi does not provide an official residence or lifelong security cover, ex-CMs may receive certain benefits:
- Medical Facilities: Free treatment in government hospitals.
- Travel Allowance: Limited reimbursement for government travel.
- Office Expenses: A small allowance for maintaining an office.
- Security Cover: Based on threat perception, but not guaranteed for life.
Unlike states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, Delhi does not grant extensive perks to former chief ministers, making it one of the most modest pension schemes in India.
How Do Other Former Delhi CMs Compare?
Apart from Kejriwal, many former Delhi CMs have received pensions under similar rules. Let’s look at some key figures:
| Former CM | Tenure (Years) | Estimated Monthly Pension |
|---|---|---|
| Sheila Dikshit | 15 | ₹78,000 |
| Madan Lal Khurana | 5 | ₹60,000 |
| Sahib Singh Verma | 3 | ₹56,000 |
| Arvind Kejriwal | 9+ | ₹66,000 |
As seen in the table, Sheila Dikshit received one of the highest pensions due to her long tenure, while other CMs received amounts based on their time in office.
While Arvind Kejriwal will be eligible for a reasonable pension of ₹66,000 per month, Delhi’s pension scheme remains one of the least extravagant in India. Unlike states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, where former CMs receive lifelong perks including government accommodation, Delhi provides only a basic pension with limited benefits.
This raises an important debate: Should Delhi ex-CMs receive more benefits, or is the current system justified? The answer depends on how one views public expenditure on former leaders.
What are your thoughts on this? Should Delhi offer better perks to former chief ministers, or is this the right approach? Share your opinion!