The Odisha Assembly has unanimously approved a significant hike in the salaries, allowances, and pensions for its Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), ministers, and former MLAs. The decision, formalized through the passage of four bills on Tuesday, marks a substantial increase in remuneration for both sitting and former legislators.
The approved revisions will be implemented retroactively, taking effect from June 5, 2024. This enhancement impacts key office-bearers, encompassing the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Ministers, ministers, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Leader of the Opposition, Chief Whip, and Deputy Chief Whips.
Under the new legislation, the monthly basic salary for an MLA has been increased from Rs 35,000 to Rs 90,000. Furthermore, MLAs will now receive a sumptuary allowance of Rs 98,000 per month, a significant rise from the previous Rs 40,000. Other allowances, including those for constituency visits, engagements at Lok Seva Bhawan, transport, and medical expenses, have also seen substantial increases.
Specifically, the Chief Minister's monthly remuneration will now amount to Rs 3.74 lakh, comprising a basic salary of Rs 1 lakh, a sumptuary allowance of Rs 1.83 lakh, and Rs 91,000 for car allowances. Salaries for other office-bearers will range between Rs 3.50 lakh and Rs 3.68 lakh per month, varying based on their respective positions. The Speaker's salary has been revised from Rs 40,500 to Rs 98,000, with personal expenditure allowances raised to Rs 1.81 lakh. The Deputy Speaker's salary has been enhanced from Rs 38,000 to Rs 94,000, with similar increases in allowances.
Allowances for legislators have also been significantly increased: * Constituency & Secretariat allowance: Increased to Rs 75,000 per month from Rs 20,000. * Daily sitting allowance: Doubled to Rs 3,000. * Outstation allowance: Increased to Rs 10,000 per day from Rs 2,000. * Travel allowance: Revised to Rs 35 per km within Odisha. * Transport allowance: More than tripled to Rs 50,000 per month. * Electricity allowance: Quadrupled to Rs 20,000 per month. * Medical allowance: Increased to Rs 35,000 per month from Rs 5,000.
Former MLAs will also benefit from the revised legislation, with pensions and additional allowances now totaling approximately Rs 1.17 lakh per month. Monthly pension has been fixed at Rs 80,000, up from ₹35,000. The one-year service rule has been scrapped, making pension eligibility immediate upon election. Furthermore, after five years of service, each additional year will add Rs 3,000 to the pension. Medical allowance for ex-MLAs has also been raised to Rs 25,000 per month.
In a significant provision, the families of first-time MLAs who die during their tenure will receive Rs 25 lakh as ex-gratia. The amendment also grants the state government the authority to revise salaries and allowances every five years through independent legislation, without requiring Assembly approval.
The move has garnered support across party lines. Senior BJD leader and party chief whip Pramila Mallik welcomed the decision, stating it would support former MLAs in managing their social and financial needs. BJP MLA Om Prakash Mishra also endorsed the decision, calling it a necessary and long-overdue measure for the state legislature.
