The Indian government has announced a 24% hike in the salaries of Members of Parliament (MPs), alongside an increase in pensions and additional allowances for former MPs. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs issued a notification regarding these changes, aligning the revisions with the Cost Inflation Index under the Income Tax Act of 1961.
Revised Salaries and Allowances for MPs
The following are the revised benefits for the sitting MPs:
- Monthly Salary: Increased from ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,24,000
- Daily Allowance: Raised from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 for days attended during Parliament sessions
These increments reflect the government’s attempt to adjust for inflation and ensure fair compensation for parliamentary duties.
Pension and Additional Pension for Former MPs
The revised structure also includes higher pensions and additional pensions for former members:
- Base Pension: Increased from ₹25,000 to ₹31,000 per month
- Additional Pension: For every year of service beyond five years, the additional pension has been increased from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 per month
These adjustments are intended to provide better financial support to former MPs who have dedicated years of service to the nation.
Similar Moves in Karnataka
This central revision comes shortly after the Karnataka government approved a significant salary hike for its Chief Minister, ministers, and MLAs. The Chief Minister’s salary has doubled from ₹75,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per month. Similarly, the ministers’ salaries saw a 108% increase, from ₹60,000 to ₹1.25 lakh.
The Karnataka government’s decision was met with criticism, especially as it was passed without discussion amidst opposition protests.
Implications and Reactions
While the salary hikes aim to maintain parity with inflation rates, they have sparked public debate on the necessity and timing of the increase. Some argue that these adjustments are justifiable to ensure adequate remuneration for public representatives, while others call for stricter accountability and performance metrics in return for higher pay.
As the political landscape evolves, the government’s decisions on financial benefits for elected representatives will likely remain under scrutiny.
Summary
The Centre has announced a 24% hike in MPs’ salaries, increasing monthly pay from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.24 lakh. Daily allowances have risen to ₹2,500. Ex-MPs will receive higher pensions of ₹31,000 per month, with additional pensions increased to ₹2,500 per year of service. The decision follows Karnataka’s recent salary hikes for ministers and MLAs.
