'LS members get preferential treatment at Parl functions'

Rajya Sabha members alleged that their counterparts in Lok Sabha get preferential treatment at Parliamentary functions.

Raising the issue, V Maitreyan (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam ) said during the photo session organised on the occasion of completion of 60 years of Parliament, 60 seats in the front row were reserved for leaders of major political parties.

The criteria for the leaders for Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, he said, were different. Parties with four or more members in Lok Sabha got the front seat while for the Upper House, it was set at eight members and more.

He said he did not understand the proportion of four out of 545 members of Lok Sabha versus eight out of 245 of Rajya Sabha.

"It is injustice done to Rajya Sabha," he said.

Chairman Hamid Ansari said he will ask the secretary general to convey the sentiments of the House so as "to ensure in all matters, constitutional equality of the two houses is maintained."

His remarks were welcomed with thumping of desks by members.

Satyavrat Chaturvedi (Congress) said Lok Sabha TV has a studio in Parliament House complex and its employees have been regularised, while Rajya Sabha employees do not enjoy the same privilege. "This is discrimination," he said.