Centre spent Rs 193 crore to renovate, repair bungalows of MPs in last four years

New Delhi: The government has spent Rs 193 crore to renovate and repair bungalows of MPs in the past four years. In a written response to a question, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri informed the Lok Sabha saying that there is no expenditure limit prescribed for such renovation and repair of residences of Members of Parliament by Central Public Works Department (CPWD). "During the last three years and current year, an expenditure of Rs 193 crore has been incurred on renovation/repair of residences of Members of Parliament. Flat type-wise expenditure details are not maintained," PTI quoted the minister as saying. He further added that the extent of renovation required was based on the actual condition of the building. Meanwhile, around 50 ex-MPs are yet to vacate their official bungalows in Lutyens' Delhi even five months after the dissolution of the previous Lok Sabha. The Centre is mulling action against the high-profile squatters under the amended Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, which ensures swift eviction. According to a media report published in October, some of the MPs who are yet to vacate their bungalows and flats include Pappu Yadav, his wife Ranjeeta Ranjan, Depender Singh Hooda, former prime minister HD Deve Gowda and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conard K Sangma. Former BJP MP Shahnawaz Hussain who had lost in 2014 Lok Sabha polls and was not given a ticket for 2019 polls has not vacated his Pant Marg bungalow. In September, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nand Kumar Sai was evicted from his South Avenue residence as he was no longer a Lok Sabha member. Similarly, RPI leader Ramdas Athawale was also forced to vacate his 8 Lodhi Estate residence. There are over a thousand bungalows in Lutyens' Zone and 90 per cent of it is owned by the government. Source: Times Now