Karnataka’s elected representatives may soon receive a substantial pay increase, as a draft bill proposes doubling the salaries of the chief minister, ministers, and legislators.
Justifying the rise, Home Minister G Parameshwara cited increasing costs and the need for lawmakers to survive.
Under the new proposal, the chief minister’s monthly salary will rise to Rs 1.5 lakh from Rs 75,000 earlier, while MLAs’ pay will double from Rs 40,000 to Rs 80,000. These salary hikes exclude additional allowances and perks, which significantly increase their total earnings.
"The justification is that their expenditure is also going up along with other people. A common man is also suffering, and MLAs are also suffering. So, recommendations have come from MLAs and others, and that is why the chief minister has taken the decision,” Parameshwara said.
Which states offer the highest salaries to CM and MLAs?
Even with the salary increase, Karnataka’s elected representatives may continue to earn less compared to their counterparts in other states. However, the move positions Karnataka among the states offering higher salaries to public representatives.
When it comes to elected representatives’ pay, Telangana ranks first in India, with Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra trailing closely behind, according to a report by CNN-News18. The remuneration is inclusive of the allowances for travel, housing and security.
A look at the salaries of representatives across key states:
Telangana:
Chief Minister: Rs 4.10 lakh, Ministers: Rs 3–3.5 lakh, MLAs: Rs 2.5 lakh
Delhi:
Chief Minister: Rs 3.90 lakh, Ministers: Rs 3 lakh, MLAs: Rs 90,000
Uttar Pradesh:
Chief Minister: Rs 3.65 lakh, Ministers: Rs 2–2.5 lakh, MLAs: Rs 1.87 lakh
Maharashtra:
Chief Minister: Rs 3.40 lakh, Ministers: Rs 2.5–3 lakh, MLAs: Rs 1.60 lakh
Karnataka (post-hike):
Chief Minister: Rs 3 lakh, Ministers: Rs 2–2.5 lakh, MLAs: Rs 1.60 lakh
How are the salaries decided?
Each state government decides the salaries and allowances for its legislators. Chief ministers, Cabinet ministers, and leaders of the Opposition generally earn more than MLAs. Salary adjustments to account for inflation are made through amendments to a state’s salaries and allowances Act, often following the advice of a review committee.
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