Latest Technology Equipment for Rajya Sabha MPs: Smart TVs, Projectors, and Wearables to be Distributed.
New Delhi Upgrades Rajya Sabha Members' IT Equipment
Members of the Rajya Sabha will now receive modern gadgets to aid their legislative duties. Under the 'Scheme of Financial Entitlement of Members of Rajya Sabha for Computer Equipment', Rajya Sabha MPs are eligible to acquire smart TVs, smart projectors, wearables, and other tech devices.
This scheme, governed by The Provision of Computer Equipment (Members of Rajya Sabha and Officers) Rules, 2008, provides financial assistance to enhance the members' performance. A meeting was held on May 23 to discuss the same.
The financial entitlement for purchasing equipment and software under this scheme varies based on the MP's term:
- Members serving a term of over three years can claim up to Rs 2,00,000.
- those elected or nominated in a by-election for a term of three years or less are eligible for Rs 1,50,000.
- An additional Rs 1,00,000 is available after three years in office, as long as the remaining term is not less than six months.
Previously, Rajya Sabha MPs were provided with office equipment such as desktops, laptops, smartphones, and accessories. Now, the scheme includes smart TVs, smart projectors, tablet computers, smart speakers, and wearables like smartwatches. Ancillary items such as anti-virus software, headphones, microphones, webcams, Bluetooth headsets, and speakers are also part of the scheme.
MPs will need to present original bills of purchase to claim reimbursement, ensuring transparency and responsible use of public funds. This updated scheme forms part of India's broader digital transformation efforts aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of parliamentary operations.
Members of Rajya Sabha will now have the opportunity to wear smartwatches, a type of wearable technology, as part of the updated IT equipment scheme. The scheme also includes modern gadgets like tablet computers, smart speakers, and smart TVs, with other tech devices available for purchase.
