Centre withdraws perks, privileges to former J&K CMs

New Delhi: Government of India has withdrawn all the perks and privileges enjoyed by former Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir since, 19984.
In this regard Modi led Central Government has issued a notification, a copy of which lies with Kashmir News Trust.
As per notification, the perks and privileges of former Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir have been withdrawn thereby repealing the long list of privileges enjoyed by former Chief Ministers since 1984.
The notification reads that Central Government repealed section 3-C of the State Legislature Members’ Pension Act, 1984 under which former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir were entitled to different privileges and perks.
Former Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir including Dr Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti were entitled to rent-free furnished accommodation, free telephone calls up to the value of Rs 48,000 per annum, free electricity to the extent of Rs 1500 per month ,car, petrol, medical facilities, driver etc.
Another former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Nabi Azad, it may be noted was not enjoying these perks as he he had surrendered everything before the Government, after abdicating the office in 2008.
Pertinently, Jammu Kashmir Law Commission had also recommended repeal of the legal provisions providing facilities to former chief Ministers holding such perks and privileges as saying violative of constitutional principles of equality as arbitrary, not in consonance with any scheme or law