Why is Pratibha Patil and her family still getting security cover?

02 January, 2013

At a time when availability of police is being demanded more for common people rather than for its misuse for security of politicians - it is indeed shocking and regrettable that a large numbers of family members of former President Pratibha Patil, and herself, are still enjoying the security cover meant exclusively for a sitting President.

THE UNION Home Ministry has failed to respond to repeated requests from the Maharashtra government to withdraw such highly costly facility, and unwanted cost on the state exchequer, which is funded by tax payers’ hard-earned money.

Persons appointed to the country’s highest post should have the moral courage and basic decency to ask authorities to reduce unnecessary post-retirement expenses made on them and their families. But such thinking cannot be expected from a person who became the most controversial President of India - and allegedly misused the highest office of the nation for leisure and pleasure of her family.

In fact, she continued make her friends and relations enjoy at the expense of public money through luxury trips in and outside the country - despite severe criticism from the media and the public. She was also known for having desired a palatial bungalow in Pune, an idea which had to be abandoned under public pressure. The President's Secretariat had to later request her to give back the gift items, which were transferred to her family trust in Pune.

The Union Home Ministry should order an enquiry as to how and why the security cover meant for a sitting President and his/her family continued for Pratibha Patil and her family - even after her retirement from the post. Such a security cover must now be immediately withdrawn.

Rules should be changed based on the pattern in the US where retired Presidents, Vice Presidents and other senior officials may get half of the last drawn salary without any other privilege - including government accommodation.

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COMMENTS (2)

Guest

Monendra Kapur

It is strange, unfortunate and regretted that our ex-president is still enjoying the security cover against the norms. As matter of fact, no leaders, existing ones or exited ones, should have such facilities at the cost of tax payers' money. They are made leaders by a common man and if they are scared of going amongst them, they have no right to live in India. No leader in India is going to give us peace or relief from any enigmatic riddle. Majority of them are selfish ones and leave no stone unturned to fill their coffers to brim at the cost of Government exchequers or scams or loots. Every action of theirs' is oriented or guided by ulterior motives. Latest one is the case of 'Damini'. We, have been and are being befooled even today after her unfortunate demise.

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Sathya

This woman has been an utter waste and a shame for all Indians. I thought we got rid of this idiot finally, but she still drains the country's resources. Shame on her. Who wants to kill this good-for-nothing waste? Disgusting woman, disgusting relatives.

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