Some MPs seeks relief from odd-even scheme

Problems arising out of Delhi's Odd-Even scheme had their echo at an all-party meeting convened by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, where an MP sought relief from the Speaker saying some members were facing inconvenience due to it.

Raising the issue, TRS leader A P Jithender Reddy said even Parliamentarians like him were facing problems in commuting in Delhi due to the scheme as they had only one car here and only one sticker was issued to them by the Lok Sabha exempting them.

Sources said some other members at the all-party meeting supported the issue raised by Reddy, while Bhartruhari Mahtab of BJD did not agree saying members should cooperate and agree to the scheme that was aimed at reducing pollution and decongestion of the national capital.

"The Speaker is the custodian of Parliament and it was important to bring this issue at the meeting of leaders of all parties," the MP from Mahabubnagar in Telangana said.

His request found some favour from the Speaker who later said that she has asked the Lok Sabha secretariat to work out ways so that MPs do not suffer while commuting. "A request had come from some members. I have asked the Lok Sabhba Secretariat and Secretary General that we will try that we provide vehicles to members properly as per odd-even scheme. We will try members should not suffer problems for coming to Parliament.

"Some members rightly said that some members can face problems as only one of their vehicle is allowed. Even Parliament can face problems, as half the vehicles can be used at a time and half will not. Let us see and we will try and find a solution," Mahajan told reporters.

Reddy also said, "We who come from Lok Sabha live in Delhi for maximum 75 to 100 days and Parliament provides a small flat to us. Senior-most MPs get a big house. For coming to Parliament, only one vehicle is there and only one pass is issued for the members. We have requested to the Speaker that during our stay in Parliament here."