The Curious Case of Multiple Pensions: Unpacking Jagdeep Dhankhar's Entitlements as VP, MP, and MLA

India's political landscape often sparks discussions on the perks and entitlements afforded to its top leaders. A question that frequently surfaces, particularly for individuals with extensive careers across various legislative and constitutional roles, revolves around pension benefits. The spotlight recently turned on Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, a prominent figure who has graced the halls of both state assemblies and the national parliament before ascending to the nation's second-highest constitutional office. Given his impressive trajectory as a former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), a Member of Parliament (MP), and now the Vice President, a compelling question arises: Is he entitled to draw multiple pensions?

The curiosity is natural. Public perception often grapples with the idea of public servants accumulating several pension benefits from different periods of service. However, the legal framework governing these entitlements in India provides clarity, designed to ensure fairness and prevent unwarranted accumulation.

At the heart of the matter lies specific legislation, primarily the 'Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament Act, 1954,' which includes provisions for pension entitlements. Section 8A of this Act is particularly relevant. It outlines the conditions under which former MPs are granted pensions. Similar provisions exist for MLAs at the state level, dictated by respective state legislative acts, and for constitutional office holders like the Vice President.

The overarching principle embedded in these laws, and affirmed by various administrative interpretations and precedents, is the 'one pension rule.' This rule dictates that while an individual might qualify for multiple pensions based on different stints of service – for instance, as an MLA, then an MP, and then a Vice President – they are ultimately entitled to draw only one pension. Crucially, this single pension is almost always the highest among all the pensions they would otherwise qualify for.

This principle is not unique to Vice President Dhankhar. It has been consistently applied to other high-profile individuals who have served in multiple capacities. Consider, for example, former President Ram Nath Kovind or former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu. Both held various political offices before reaching the zenith of their careers, and both received a single, consolidated pension, representing the highest entitlement from their respective services. The same applies to former Prime Ministers like Manmohan Singh, who, after serving as an MP and PM, would also adhere to this 'one pension' principle.

The office of the Vice President itself comes with its own set of emoluments and, post-tenure, a designated pension. This pension is substantial, reflecting the high stature and responsibilities of the office. Therefore, while Vice President Dhankhar's illustrious career indeed makes him eligible for pensions from his time as an MLA and an MP, the legal and customary practice ensures that he will receive only one, the most significant, pension upon concluding his service.

In essence, the Indian system is structured to honor past service with a dignified pension, but it meticulously avoids the accumulation of multiple full pensions, thereby streamlining entitlements and maintaining a clear fiscal framework for public office holders. So, while the question of multiple pensions is intriguing, the answer, grounded in law and precedent, points towards a singular, highest pension for individuals like Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.