Chennai, Apr 26 (Reporter) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Saturday announced in the State Assembly that the monthly pension for former MLAs and MLCs would be hiked from Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000 with effect from April one this year. Responding to requests made by Deputy Speaker K Pichandi and other members in the House, Mr Stalin said in deference to the wishes expressed by the members the monthly pension for former MLAs and MLCs (the Upper House now defunct) would be hiked from the present Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000, amid thumping of desks by the members of the Treasury benches. He also announced hike in family pension for them from Rs 15,000 to Rs 17,500, besides increase in annual medical allowance for Ex-MLAs and MLCs from Rs 75,000 to Rs one lakh. Since this year's medical allowance had already been paid to them, Mr Stalin the balance of Rs 25,000 would be given to them after making necessary amendments in the rules. Responding to another member's query on hike in MLAs Constituency Development Fund, he said every year Rs three crore was allocated by the government for each constituency (total 234 constituencies in the state) using which various welfare measures were being implemented. When members pointed out that welfare measures were affected as 18 per cent GST was levied as it was paid from the MLAs Constituency fund, Mr Stalin said taking into account the constraints caused by this and to ensure that the developmental works continued unhindered, the government after careful consideration decided to bear the 18 per cent GST component...////...