What special provisions exist for members from northeastern states?

Members from northeastern states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura) receive special travel provisions including road mileage allowance for journeys between their residence and nearest airport regardless of rail connections. Similar provisions extend to their spouses for travel to Delhi.

Understanding regional accommodation: These special provisions recognize the unique geographic and infrastructure challenges faced by members from northeastern regions. While members from well-connected areas can easily access rail networks, northeastern representatives often face challenging terrain, limited transportation infrastructure, and significant distances to transportation hubs. The road mileage allowance regardless of nominal rail connectivity acknowledges that theoretical rail connections may involve impractical routes or schedules. The extension of these provisions to spouses recognizes that family support involves navigating these same geographic challenges. These accommodations represent an effort to equalize the practical ability of all members to fulfill their parliamentary duties regardless of their constituency's geographic remoteness or infrastructure limitations. They reflect the principle that effective representation should not be hindered by regional geographic disparities.

Key citations:

• Section 9.12.2 establishes the special provision: "Members residing in the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim or Tripura are entitled to road mileage for the journeys performed by road from their usual place of residence to their nearest airport, irrespective of rail connection" - creating an exception to normal transportation requirements.
• Section 9.12.8 extends this benefit to family members: "Similarly, spouse of the Members residing in the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim or Tripura are entitled to road mileage for the above journeys performed by road from their usual place of residence to their nearest airport, irrespective of rail connection" - recognizing family travel challenges.
• Section 9.12.1(b)(ii) sets the road mileage rate: "a road mileage at the rate of ₹16/- per Kilometer for each such journey or part thereof" - establishing the compensation level.
• Section 9.12.7 establishes the spouse air travel benefit that this connects to: "Spouse of an MP can travel by air from the usual place of residence of the Member to Delhi or back when Parliament is in session subject to the condition that the total number of such journeys shall not exceed eight in a year" - providing the underlying travel entitlement.
• These provisions collectively create practical travel solutions for members from regions with challenging geography and infrastructure limitations.

Tags: northeastern states provisions, regional accommodations, road mileage allowance, Section 9.12.2, Section 9.12.8, Section 9.12.1, Section 9.12.7, geographical challenges, infrastructure limitations, spouse travel, transportation equity