The law makers reward themselves for not letting the Parliament function. No opposition here? -Mera Bharat Mahan
The Indian government has recently
implemented a significant salary revision for Members of Parliament (MPs),
introducing a 24% hike effective from April 1, 2023. This revision, anchored to
the Cost Inflation Index, is designed to align parliamentary remuneration with
rising inflation rates and evolving economic conditions.
Revised Salary Structure:
Members of Parliament now receive
a monthly remuneration of ₹1.24 lakh, a notable increase from the previous ₹1
lakh. In addition to the basic salary, several allowances and pensions have
been revised:
- Daily
Allowance: MPs attending Parliament sessions or committee meetings will
now receive ₹2,500 per day, up from the earlier ₹2,000.
- Constituency
Allowance: Monthly constituency allowances have increased from ₹70,000 to
₹87,000, aiding MPs in managing constituency-specific responsibilities and
activities.
- Office
Expenses: To support operational and administrative functions, MPs now
have ₹75,000 per month at their disposal, an increase from ₹60,000
previously.
Enhanced Pension Benefits:
Former MPs have also seen
improvements in their pensions:
- The
basic monthly pension for former MPs has risen from ₹25,000 to ₹31,000.
- Additional
pensions awarded for service beyond five years have been increased to
₹2,500 per month for each extra year, previously ₹2,000.
Contextualizing the Revision:
This adjustment follows a
systematic approach introduced in 2018, aimed at depoliticizing MPs'
remuneration by linking periodic revisions directly to the Cost Inflation
Index. This approach eliminates conflicts of interest by preventing MPs from
recommending their own salary hikes.
Historically, the last major
salary adjustment occurred in 2018, doubling MPs’ salaries from ₹50,000 to ₹1
lakh. Notably, MPs voluntarily accepted a 30% salary reduction during the
COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, contributing to public relief efforts.
Diverse Public Reactions:
Public and expert opinions on this
salary revision have been varied:
- Supportive
Arguments highlight the necessity of adequate remuneration for MPs, given
the rising cost of managing extensive constituencies and ensuring MPs
remain financially capable of fulfilling their duties effectively.
Additionally, supporters point out that compared internationally, Indian
MPs remain among the lower-paid parliamentary representatives, especially
when evaluated through purchasing power parity.
- Critical
Voices, however, have questioned the timing of this salary increase,
pointing to ongoing economic challenges and emphasizing the need for
greater accountability. Critics advocate for stringent performance-based
criteria to accompany such hikes, ensuring greater transparency and
responsibility.
Broader Implications:
The revised salary structure and
allowances are expected to empower MPs financially, enabling them to better
serve their constituencies. Nonetheless, the hike has sparked ongoing debates
concerning parliamentary accountability, transparency, and public trust, with
many calling for deeper reforms in governance and legislative accountability
mechanisms.
This salary revision thus
represents more than just a financial update—it underscores broader
conversations about the roles, responsibilities, and expectations placed on
elected officials in contemporary India.
Members of Parliament (MPs) in India will receive a 24 percent salary increase, effective from April 1, 2023. The Central Government has issued a notification confirming the new monthly salary will be Rs 1.24 lakh, in addition to allowances and facilities.
The adjustment comes in response to rising inflation, according to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. Current MPs will also benefit from increased daily allowances and pensions, while former MPs will receive additional pension for each year of service beyond five years.
Previously, MPs earned Rs 1 lakh per month, with daily allowances of Rs 2,000 and former MPs receiving a pension of Rs 25,000 per month. The revised figures are Rs 1.24 lakh monthly salary, Rs 2,500 daily allowance, and Rs 31,000 monthly pension. Additionally, the extra pension for service beyond five years has increased from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 per month.
Despite the hike, Indian MPs’ salaries remain lower compared to many countries.
United States: US MPs receive around Rs 1.45 crore (174,000 dollars) annually. While they do not receive free accommodation, they are granted a separate budget for office and travel expenses.
United Kingdom: British MPs earn a salary of approximately Rs 78 lakh (93,904 pounds) per year. They receive an allowance for housing but are not provided with free accommodation.
Japan: Japanese MPs receive about Rs 1.5 crore annually and are entitled to substantial additional benefits.
Australia: Australian MPs earn around Rs 1.3 crore annually. They receive allowances for travel and office expenditures.
Canada: Canadian MPs receive a salary of approximately Rs 1.2 crore annually and benefit from superior facilities compared to their Indian counterparts.
Germany: German MPs earn around Rs 1.1 crore annually. They receive a budget allocation for office maintenance and staff employment.
France: French MPs receive approximately Rs 70 lakh annually and are afforded favourable benefits.
Italy: Italian MPs earn a salary of about Rs 1 crore annually.
South Korea: South Korean MPs receive around Rs 90 lakh annually.
Singapore: Singaporean MPs command the highest salary, exceeding Rs 5 crore annually.
In India, the MPs’ annual salary stands at Rs 14.88 lakh, which increases to Rs 40 lakh when free accommodation, travel, and other allowances are included. This remains significantly lower than the compensation in countries like the US, Japan, or Singapore.
Additional benefits for Indian MPs include a monthly constituency allowance of Rs 87,000, up from Rs 70,000, and Rs 75,000 for office expenses, previously Rs 60,000. Office expenses cover Rs 50,000 for hiring a computer operator and Rs 25,000 for stationery.
MPs can also purchase durable furniture worth Rs 1 lakh and non-durable furniture worth Rs 25,000 once during their tenure. They are provided with accommodation ranging from hostels in Vitthalbhai Patel House to bungalows in central Delhi, along with funds for electricity, water, telephone, and internet charges.
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