India, March 5 -- Members of Parliament will now have a deeper pocket to renovate their official residences after a House panel recently increased the funds for such work by more than 230%. The increased limit - from Rs.1.5 lakh to Rs.5 lakh - is widely viewed as a much-needed hike as MPs tend to make alterations or additions to their official accommodations, including offices and guest rooms.

Lawmakers, who live in bungalows and apartments in South and North Avenues, face rising costs due to alterations in old structures.

"Members are informed that the financial limit for additions/alterations in MPs' residences has been revised from Rs.1,50,000 to Rs.5,00,000 by the house committee," a Lok Sabha secretariat's circular read.

The house...