New Delhi, September 1, 2025, 11:33 PM IST Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned from his constitutional office on July 21, 2025, citing health concerns, has moved to reinstate his pension benefits from his earlier tenure as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Rajasthan. This step, filed with the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly secretariat, marks Dhankhar's effort to secure financial benefits from his extensive political career, which includes roles as Vice President, Member of Parliament (MP), and MLA. Experts estimate his combined monthly pension from these positions could total over ₹2.87 lakh, highlighting the robust retirement benefits available to India's public servants.
Resumption of MLA Pension and Other Entitlements
Dhankhar’s application seeks to restore his MLA pension, which was suspended in 2019 when he assumed the governorship of West Bengal, as per rules prohibiting concurrent government pensions while holding certain constitutional posts. Having served as an MLA from Rajasthan’s Kishangarh constituency from 1993 to 1998 on a Congress ticket, Dhankhar is eligible for a monthly pension of approximately ₹42,000. This figure includes a base pension of ₹35,000 for a single term, augmented by a 20% enhancement due to his age (74 years), along with travel privileges equivalent to first-class status and medical facilities. The Rajasthan Assembly is expected to process his request promptly, following a similar application made during his governorship that was paused due to his then-active role.
As a former Vice President (2022–2025), Dhankhar is entitled to the most significant of his pensions. The Vice-President’s Pension Act, 1997, grants a lifelong pension equivalent to 50% of the last-drawn salary, which, at ₹4 lakh per month for a serving Vice President, translates to roughly ₹2 lakh monthly. This pension comes with additional perks, including a furnished Type-8 bungalow in New Delhi, one personal secretary, an additional staff member, free medical facilities for himself and his family, and unlimited rail and air travel. Sources indicate Dhankhar plans to vacate his official residence soon, relocating to a private home in Chhattarpur, Delhi, while retaining these benefits.
Additionally, Dhankhar qualifies for a pension as a former Lok Sabha MP, having represented Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu constituency from 1989 to 1991 under the Janata Dal banner. The Salary, Allowances, and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954 (as amended), provides a base pension of ₹31,000 per month for former MPs, regardless of term length, with an additional ₹2,500 for each year beyond five years of service. Given Dhankhar’s 15-month tenure, he receives the base pension, reported at approximately ₹45,000 monthly, possibly adjusted for inflation or specific provisions for short-term MPs. This pension includes family pension provisions and medical reimbursement benefits.
No Pension for Governorship
Notably, Dhankhar does not receive a pension for his tenure as Governor of West Bengal (2019–2022). The Governors (Emoluments, Allowances, and Privileges) Act, 1982, provides former governors with medical benefits and secretarial assistance but no retirement pension, a distinction that sets this role apart from other high offices. This gap underscores disparities in India’s retirement frameworks for constitutional positions.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
India’s pension regulations permit individuals to draw multiple pensions from distinct public roles, provided they comply with rules like the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021, which prevent double-dipping within the same service category. Dhankhar’s ability to claim pensions from federal (Vice President and MP) and state (MLA) levels is legally sound, as these stem from separate services. However, these pensions are taxable as income, and any outstanding dues may be deducted.
The substantial benefits accruing to former public officials like Dhankhar have sparked debate. Critics argue that such generous pensions, particularly when combined across multiple roles, contrast starkly with the modest retirement benefits available to ordinary citizens or government employees under schemes like the New Pension Scheme. “The system is designed to reward public service, but it also amplifies inequities,” noted a Delhi-based public finance expert, who requested anonymity. “Politicians with multiple tenures can amass significant pensions, which many see as disproportionate.”
Dhankhar’s Political Legacy
Dhankhar’s career reflects a remarkable ascent from a rural background in Rajasthan’s Kithana village to one of India’s highest offices. A lawyer by training, he entered politics with the Janata Dal, serving as a Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs in 1990. His shift to Congress in 1991 led to his MLA tenure, followed by a later alignment with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), culminating in his appointments as Governor and Vice President. His vice presidency, which included chairing the Rajya Sabha, was marked by efforts to maintain parliamentary decorum, though his resignation after less than three years surprised political observers.
Broader Implications
Dhankhar’s pension claims come at a time when India’s retirement benefit systems are under scrutiny. The reinstatement of his MLA pension, alongside his substantial vice presidential and MP pensions, highlights the financial security afforded to long-serving politicians. As he transitions to private life, Dhankhar’s case may prompt further discussion on reforming pension policies to balance fairness and fiscal sustainability.
The Rajasthan Assembly is expected to finalize the processing of Dhankhar’s MLA pension soon, potentially setting a precedent for other former public servants navigating similar entitlements. Meanwhile, political analysts continue to speculate on whether Dhankhar’s resignation signals a complete withdrawal from public life or a strategic pause, given his storied career and ongoing influence within political circles.
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