Dhankhar shifts to private home in Delhi, seeks MLA pension again

Former Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar is set to move into a private residence in Delhi’s Chhattarpur Enclave after vacating the official Vice-Presidential bungalow ahead of the September 9 election for his successor.

Dhankhar, 74, resigned from office on July 21 citing health concerns. He had moved into the Vice-President’s residence on Church Road in April last year. Until a government accommodation is allotted to him, sources confirmed, he will stay at Chhattarpur.

Under protocol, former Presidents, Vice-Presidents and Prime Ministers are allotted a Type-8 bungalow by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. However, the process—beginning with a formal requisition, selection of a property and modifications by the CPWD—typically takes at least three months. With little progress so far, Dhankhar has opted for a private stay.

Meanwhile, Dhankhar has re-applied for pension as a former Rajasthan legislator. A one-term MLA from Kishangarh between 1993 and 1998, he was drawing pension until 2019, when he became Governor of West Bengal. His office has now approached the Rajasthan Assembly Secretariat, which has begun processing the request.

As per current rules, a former MLA receives ₹35,000 per month, with age-linked increments. Given Dhankhar’s age, he is entitled to around ₹42,000 monthly. This would be in addition to pensions as a former Vice-President (around ₹2 lakh per month) and ex-MP (₹45,000 per month).

A seasoned political figure, Dhankhar also represented Jhunjhunu in the Lok Sabha from 1989 to 1991 before his gubernatorial and vice-presidential stints.