'We also need to live'; Karnataka govt approves pay hike for CM, MLAs

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 Siddaramaiah government’s decision to make amendments to salary comes at a time when his government is reeling in a financial crisis. This decision has thus courted widespread criticism. However, it is also noteworthy that none of the BJP leaders questioned this bill. The Home Minister and others came forward to defend the salary hike.

"Everyone has to live, we are also suffering like the common people, and the workload of ministers is also increasing," Home Minister G Parameshwara said about the salary hike. Minister MB Patil also came out in support of the bill opining that the move would bring down corruption.