Good news for MLAs and ministers; govt approves 100 percent salary hike; widespread criticism in state

BENGALURU: In a significant move, the Congress-ruled Karnataka government has approved a 100% salary hike for its MLAs and MLCs, effectively doubling their basic salary from Rs 40,000 to Rs 80,000. With allowances included, their total monthly income will now increase from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, resulting in a direct hike of Rs 2 lakh in take-home pay.

The salaries of the Chief Minister, other cabinet ministers, and the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly have also been increased. The Chief Minister's salary, which was Rs 75,000, has now been raised to Rs 1.5 lakh. The ministers' salary has gone up from Rs 60,000 to Rs 1.25 lakh.

The revised salaries are as follows:

Speaker: Rs 75,000 to Rs 1,25,000
Chief Minister: Rs 75,000 to Rs 1,50,000
Leader of Opposition: Rs 60,000 to Rs 70,000
Chief Whip: Rs 50,000 to Rs 70,000
MLAs/MLCs: Rs 40,000 to Rs 80,000

Several members, including BJP MLA Aravind Bellad, a representative of the main opposition party, had raised the demand for a salary hike during the assembly session.

The decision comes at a time when the state is reportedly struggling to allocate funds for several projects and social welfare schemes. This has led to widespread public outrage over the hike. Commenting on the matter, Home Minister G. Parameshwara said that ministers, like common people, are also struggling to cope with the rising cost of living, justifying the salary hike.