The Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977
The Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977 was enacted by the Indian Parliament to formally recognize the Leader of the Opposition in both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and to provide for the payment of salary and allowances to the Leader of Opposition.
Key points of the Act:
Purpose:
The Act ensures that the Leader of the Opposition, who plays a crucial role in parliamentary democracy by providing constructive criticism and holding the government accountable, is given due recognition through salary and allowances.
Definition of Leader of Opposition:
The Leader of Opposition is the member of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha, who is recognized by the Speaker or Chairman respectively.
Salary and Allowances:
The Act specifies that the Leader of the Opposition shall receive the same salary and allowances as a Cabinet Minister of the Government of India.
Privileges:
By equating their salary and allowances to those of Cabinet Ministers, the Act elevates the status of the Leader of the Opposition, acknowledging their role as an important part of parliamentary democracy.
Scope:
The Act applies to both Houses of Parliament and recognizes Leaders of Opposition in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Historical Context:
Before the Act, there was no formal provision for salary or allowances for the Leader of Opposition, although the position was recognized informally.
Table Summary:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the Act | The Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977 |
| Year of Enactment | 1977 |
| Purpose | To provide salary and allowances to the Leader of Opposition in Parliament |
| Who is Leader of Opposition? | Member of largest opposition party recognized by Speaker/Chairman |
| Salary & Allowances | Equal to those of a Cabinet Minister |
| Scope | Applies to both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha |
| Role Recognized | Formal recognition and remuneration for parliamentary opposition leader |
| Historical Importance | First formal statutory provision for Leader of Opposition salary and allowances |
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