Ministers' salaries to rise to Rs 1.33 lakh, MLAs to get Rs 98,000; Cabinet approves Bill

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Cabinet has approved a Bill to increase the salaries and allowances of ministers and MLAs in the state. The Bill will be passed by the Assembly tomorrow. As per the proposed revision, the monthly salary of MLAs will increase from Rs 70,000 to Rs 98,000, while ministers will receive a revised salary of Rs 1,33,000. The increase is based on the recommendations of a study report on salary revision. The overall hike is 30 percent.

Revenue Minister Sunny Joseph had recently said that a salary revision was necessary in view of the rising cost of living, including increasing prices and fuel expenses. The Cabinet discussed the matter at its meeting today and decided to introduce the Bill in the Assembly.

The last salary revision for MLAs was implemented in 2018. The latest revision, which will come into effect tomorrow, will result in a 35 per cent increase. The sitting fees, medical expense limits, telephone charges and other allowances of MLAs will also be increased. Each MLA will receive a fixed allowance of Rs 2,000, a constituency allowance of Rs 25,000, a telephone allowance of Rs 11,000, an information allowance of Rs 4,000 and a minimum travel allowance of Rs 20,000. In addition, they will receive an extra Rs 10 for every kilometre travelled, railway coupons worth Rs 4 lakh annually and daily allowances of Rs 1,000 for travel within the state and Rs 1,200 for travel outside the state.

Other benefits include medical expense coverage, free travel on KSRTC buses, an interest-free vehicle loan of up to Rs 10 lakh and a housing loan of up to Rs 20 lakh at a low interest rate. They will also receive a book allowance of Rs 15,000. They will also receive a monthly pension ranging from Rs 8,000 to Rs 20,000, depending on the length of their tenure as MLAs.

Ministers will receive a basic salary of Rs 2,000, a dearness allowance of Rs 28,249, a constituency allowance of Rs 40,000 and a travel allowance of Rs 17,000. In addition, they will be entitled to medical coverage for themselves and their family members, a vehicle advance of Rs 10 lakh and a housing advance of Rs 20 lakh. Ministers will also be provided with official residences, vehicles and pilot vehicles.