Overview
- A consolidated government resolution issued January 7 standardises protocol rank, honoraria and facilities for chief whips and whips, replacing 2018 and 2021 orders.
- Only parties with at least 10% of House strength qualify for state-funded facilities, which covers ruling BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP whips but excludes all opposition parties.
- Chief whips receive Cabinet-minister protocol rank without ministerial pay or allowances, while whips receive Minister of State status on the same terms.
- Monthly honoraria are set at Rs 25,000 for chief whips and Rs 20,000 for whips, with eligible whips entitled to session-time office space, phone, staff support and vehicle allowances.
- The Speaker has not recognised a Leader of Opposition, Congress leader Sachin Sawant criticised the move, and officials said facilities will be withdrawn if eligibility changes.