Bhubaneswar: In a rare show of unity, MLAs from various political parties on Wednesday appealed to Speaker Surama Padhy to urge the Odisha government to introduce a Bill that would increase the salary and pension of current and former MLAs.
The issue was brought up during the Zero Hour by senior Congress MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati and received widespread support from BJD’s Ashwini Patra, BJP’s Sanatan Bijuli, and other members.
The lawmakers voiced concerns about the difficulties they face due to the current pay structure, particularly in light of rising prices of essential commodities and the expectations from the public.
They also highlighted the plight of some former MLAs who are struggling to afford medical treatment, as the current government provision offers only Rs 2,000 per month for healthcare expenses.
Previously, a committee had submitted a proposal to increase the salaries and pensions of MLAs, but the BJD government had not yet introduced a Bill on the matter.
Speaker Padhy assured the House that she would request the state government to take appropriate action.
The legislators justified their demand by pointing to the high inflation rates, especially the rising costs of petrol and diesel, which have exacerbated their financial challenges. They also called for an increase in the travel allowance to better align with the escalating fuel prices.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who previously served as the Opposition Chief Whip, had supported the proposal in the past, acknowledging the financial hardships faced by both current and former members of the Assembly.
Sources suggest that the earlier committee had recommended raising an MLA’s salary from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh per month. Currently, each MLA receives Rs 1 lakh, comprising Rs 35,000 as salary and Rs 65,000 in allowances, along with a daily allowance of Rs 1,500 per session day and travel reimbursements.
