Summary of this article
· Jagdeep Dhankhar applied for resumption of his pension as ex-MLA
· He served as an MLA from Kishangarh, Rajasthan, from 1993 to 1998
· He is also entitled to pension as a former MP, and ex-Vice President
Former Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar, 74, has applied for the resumption of his pension as a former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Rajasthan. Dhankhar served as an MLA of the Kishangarh Assembly constituency from 1993 to 1998, and received a pension as a former MLA until July 2019, when he was appointed Governor of West Bengal. Now, following his resignation as Vice President last month, he has applied to the Rajasthan Assembly Secretariat to reinstate his pension as an ex-MLA.
According to a PTI report, the Secretariat has begun the necessary formalities in this regard. The pension will be reinstated from the date when his resignation as Vice President was accepted.
Reportedly, Dhankhar would be entitled to a monthly pension of Rs 42,000 as an ex-MLA, including a 20 per cent additional amount for legislators aged 70 and above. In Rajasthan, the pension for MLAs starts at Rs 35,000 per month for a single term and increases with each additional term and age. Also, the minimum pension for MLAs typically varies in each state based on particular state’s legislature. Under law, each state can determine the rules for pension and other benefits for its members depending on various factors, such as cost of living, financial capacity of the state, among others.
However, this is not the only pension Dhankhar is entitled to. His other pensions include.
As A Former Member Of Parliament
As Dhankhar served one term in Lok Sabha, he is entitled to a pension as an MP. Reportedly, he is entitled to a pension of Rs 45,000 per month. Notably, the minimum pension for MPs was increased in March 2025 with retroactive effect from April 1, 2023. Earlier, the pension was a minimum of Rs 25,000, which has now become Rs 31,000, and an additional Rs 2,500 per month for every year of service exceeding five years, per the gazette notification dated March 21, 2025.
The rules also provide for a family pension to the spouse or dependents that is 50 per cent of the MP’s pension. Besides the pension, MPs are entitled to receive travel concessions in railways, and medical benefits under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), as well as accommodation retention for up to one month after retirement.
As Former Governor Of West Bengal
He is not entitled to a pension as a former Governor of West Bengal, but can avail of perks, including a secretarial staff member with a monthly reimbursement of Rs 25,000.
As Former Vice President Of India
As a former Vice President, Dhankhar is entitled to 50 per cent of his last drawn salary as a pension. According to PTI, this would be over Rs 2 lakh per month for him, besides other benefits, including accommodation and a personal secretary.
Notably, the pension for Vice Presidents is dealt with under The Vice President’s Pension Act, 1997. Under the provisions of the Act, a former Vice President can avail of secretarial support, which includes a private secretary, an additional private secretary, a personal assistant, and two peons. A Vice President is also entitled to receive up to Rs 60,000 per annum for office expenses. In addition to it, a furnished residence (Type-8 bungalow) anywhere in India, free of rent and utility (water and electricity) charges, free travel by the highest class for self and family, and medical care at residence, or in hospital, and a personal physician round the clock. After the demise of the Vice President, the surviving spouse will continue getting the residential (Type-7 accommodation) and medical benefits.
Dhankhar resigned as a Vice President on July 21, 2025, citing health reasons.
