Schedule 2 of the Indian Constitution lists the emoluments and privileges of the President, Vice-President, Governors, Judges, and other constitutional dignitaries. This schedule is an essential part of the Constitution and lays down the details of the salaries, allowances, and other facilities provided to these high-ranking officials.
The schedule consists of two parts, Part A and Part B. Part A deals with the emoluments and privileges of the President, Vice-President, Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. Part B lists the emoluments and privileges of the Governors of states.
Part A of Schedule 2 lays down the following details:
President: The President is entitled to a salary of Rs. 5 lakhs per month, along with a sumptuary allowance of Rs. 3 lakhs per month. The President’s official residence, Rashtrapati Bhavan, is provided by the government, along with staff and other facilities. The President is also entitled to a pension equal to the salary of a sitting President after the completion of the term.
Vice-President: The Vice-President is entitled to a salary of Rs. 4 lakhs per month, along with a sumptuary allowance of Rs. 2 lakhs per month. The Vice-President’s official residence, Vice-President’s House, is provided by the government, along with staff and other facilities. The Vice-President is also entitled to a pension equal to the salary of a sitting Vice-President after the completion of the term.
Judges of the Supreme Court: The Chief Justice of India is entitled to a salary of Rs. 2.80 lakhs per month, while other judges of the Supreme Court are entitled to a salary of Rs. 2.50 lakhs per month. They are also provided with official residences, staff, and other facilities.
Judges of the High Courts: The Chief Justice of a High Court is entitled to a salary of Rs. 2.50 lakhs per month, while other judges of the High Courts are entitled to a salary of Rs. 2.25 lakhs per month. They are also provided with official residences, staff, and other facilities.
Comptroller and Auditor General: The CAG is entitled to a salary of Rs. 2.50 lakhs per month, along with a sumptuary allowance of Rs. 1.25 lakhs per month. The CAG’s official residence, staff, and other facilities are provided by the government.
Part B of Schedule 2 deals with the emoluments and privileges of the Governors of states. The Governors are entitled to a salary of Rs. 3.50 lakhs per month, along with a sumptuary allowance of Rs. 1.10 lakhs per month. They are also provided with official residences, staff, and other facilities.
In conclusion, Schedule 2 of the Indian Constitution lays down the details of the salaries, allowances, and other facilities provided to the President, Vice-President, Governors, Judges, and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. These high-ranking officials are entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the Constitution and ensuring that the government functions smoothly, and it is necessary to provide them with the necessary emoluments and privileges to carry out their duties effectively.