The ongoing debate over MLA salaries in the state’s Assembly has intensified, with members of both ruling and opposition parties urging a hike.
The MLAs expressed frustration during legislative inactivity, citing discrepancies between their compensation and that of MLAs in other states. Bhaskar Madhei, a vocal advocate for change, highlighted the findings of a recent committee report and called for its immediate implementation. The report outlines a strategy to address inflationary pressures and ensure fair remuneration for MLAs, given their critical legislative and constituency roles.
During the zero hour of the Assembly, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) raised a demand for an increase in the salaries of current MLAs and the pensions of former MLAs. The opposition leader highlighted this issue and expressed frustration in the House, while members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also supported the demand. Both ruling and opposition members have called for the implementation of the report submitted by the Assembly Committee regarding the proposed increases in MLA salaries and former MLAs’ pensions. They urged the Speaker to direct the government to act on this matter.
On Friday, during the zero hour, opposition leader Pramila Mallik brought this issue to light, stating that market prices have significantly increased. She noted that salaries for MLAs and pensions for former MLAs were last raised in 2017 and that no adjustments have been made since. Former MLAs are facing considerable difficulties, and many are approaching the assembly to advocate for their concerns. The current pension amounts are insufficient to cover their medical expenses and daily living costs.
To address these issues, a committee chaired by Bhaskar Madhei was formed, which met and issued a report on the necessary increases. Mallik urged the Speaker to instruct the government to implement the committee’s recommendations. She also pointed out that, while salaries for Members of Parliament (MPs) were increased recently, the last adjustment for MLA salaries was made in 2017, highlighting the need for a raise as we approach 2025.
BJD MLA Pratap Deb stated that when Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi was the Leader of the Opposition, he also raised concerns about this issue in the House. He emphasized that Parliament has decided to adjust MP salaries in line with the inflation rate every three years and called for a base salary to be established for MLAs as well.
BJP MLA Purna Sethi reiterated the demand for an increase in the salaries of MLAs and the pensions of former MLAs. He said, “As a former MLA, I have experienced many problems myself. There is a pay commission for government employees, but none for MLAs. Our Madhei Committee is our only hope. If you go to any village and visit the MLA, it is not worth it unless you pay between 10,000 to 30,000. Therefore, I urge the Speaker to accept the recommendations of the Bhaskar Madhai Committee and direct the government to implement them retroactively from June.”
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Padmalochan Panda supported Purna Sethi’s proposal, stating, “Considering the condition of former MLAs, it is unfortunate that our state ranks 27th in terms of MLA salaries and pensions for former MLAs. Therefore, the salaries of MLAs and pensions for former MLAs should be increased immediately.”
Committee Chairman Bhaskar Madhei expressed concern regarding the salary increase for former MLAs. He stated, “The situation for former MLAs is very unfortunate. They often struggle to get by, and some do not even have homes. MLAs participate in 13 festivals each month, and they bear all the costs associated with this. Attending a single program can cost up to 20,000. The conditions for MLAs are indeed difficult. Compared to other states, the salaries and allowances for MLAs in our state are lower. Therefore, the committee’s report needs to be implemented.”
It is worth mentioning here that earlier, the MLAs had expressed their concern in the house by raising this issue. And accepting the demands of the MLAs, an advisory committee was formed to consider this issue. The advisory committee was formed under the chairmanship of MLA Bhaskar Madhei. This committee has submitted a report to the government on increasing salaries and pensions. The members of this advisory committee are Ram Kadam, Pramila Mallik, Pratap Deb, Tara Bahinipati, Laxman Munda, Prakash Soren, Nihar Mahanand, Purna Sethi.
