Odisha Assembly witnessed the tabling of a revised bill on salaries, allowances and pensions for MLAs and former MLAs by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling.
The proposal includes Rs 25 lakh assistance to the family of any sitting MLA in the event of death, along with provisions to increase pay, allowances and pensions every five years. The bill also allows such hikes through ordinance without requiring a fresh bill.
Currently, legislators receive a monthly package of around Rs 1 lakh, combining salary and allowances, in addition to separate perks. Rising market costs have prompted the government to consider this revision, with the last hike implemented in 2017.
Four separate bills were introduced covering the salaries, allowances and pensions of MLAs, the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Ministers. These include the Odisha Legislative Assembly Members’ Salary, Allowances and Pension (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Speaker’s Salary and Allowances (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Deputy Speaker’s Salary and Allowances (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Ministers’ Salary and Allowances (Amendment) Bill 2025.
The Assembly adopted the bills unanimously and referred them to the Business Advisory Committee for further discussion. Lawmakers agreed that the revisions reflect the need to align compensation with current responsibilities and economic realities.
The revised bill ensures that both sitting and former MLAs benefit from updated provisions. It also strengthens welfare measures by extending financial support to the families of legislators. Once finalised, the changes will apply across the Assembly, marking a significant step in updating compensation structures for Odisha’s elected representatives.
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