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UP legislators to get free laptops

Sharat Pradhan in Lucknow

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet has decided to allow the state's 425 legislators and 108 councillors to purchase laptops, with money from the legislators' constituency fund, earmarked essentially for development.

Chief Minister Ram Prakash Gupta had recently decided to increase the annual constituency fund from Rs 5 million to Rs 7.5 million.

The plan is likely to cost the state exchequer Rs 60 million to Rs 100 million.

The cabinet argued that the laptops would enable the legislators to keep track of various development-related tasks in their areas even while they are touring their constituencies.

However, according to a study, not even five per cent legislators have basic knowledge of computers.

The legislators will be entitled to retain the laptops after they cease to be in office.

No limit has been fixed on the amount each legislator will be entitled to for purchase of the laptops. The more expensive models are priced Rs 200,000 to Rs 400,000.

Last year, legislators had been provided refrigerators and air-coolers in their furnished rent-free residential accommodation.

A recent official study had revealed that the state's 93 ministers had consumed tea and snacks worth nearly Rs 10 million.

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