Archive · 13 Dec 2025
Odisha MLA Salary Hike Draws Mixed Reactions
In Odisha, India, the salaries of lawmakers (MLAs) were increased by almost three times, from Rs 1.11 lakh to Rs 3.45 lakh per month.
This decision was supported by all parties in the state assembly except for one MLA, Laxman Munda from the CPI(M) party.
He was not present when the decision was made because he was supporting teachers who were protesting for better pay and job security.
Munda thinks it's unfair that MLAs are getting such high salaries while other workers in the state, like teachers and health workers, are not being paid enough and are protesting for better conditions.
The new salaries make Odisha's MLAs the highest-paid in the country.
Other leaders, like the Chief Minister and Assembly Speaker, also got big salary increases.
Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, now the Leader of Opposition, decided to forgo his increased salary and allowances, asking that the money be used for the welfare of the poor people of the state.
Odisha Assembly approved a nearly three-fold hike in MLA salaries from Rs 1.11 lakh to Rs 3.45 lakh per month.
Only CPI(M) MLA Laxman Munda opposed the hike, criticizing it as unjust while other state workers face low wages.
The hike was passed unanimously on December 9 in Munda's absence as he was supporting protesting teachers.
Under the new provisions, MLAs will receive various allowances totaling Rs 3.45 lakh monthly.
Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, now the Leader of Opposition, decided to forgo his increased salary and allowances, requesting the money be used for the welfare of the poor.
- Who
- Odisha MLAs, Chief Minister, Assembly Speaker, Laxman Munda, Naveen Patnaik
- What
- A nearly three-fold hike in MLA salaries and allowances, with Naveen Patnaik forgoing his increased salary and allowances as Leader of Opposition
- When
- The hike was approved on December 9, with Naveen Patnaik's decision announced later
- Where
- Odisha Assembly, Bhubaneswar
- Why
- To bring the pay and pension structure of elected representatives among the highest in the country, but criticized for being unjustified while other state workers face low wages
Supporters of the Hike
Critics of the Hike
Justification of the Hike
Supporters of the Hike
The hike brings the pay and pension structure of elected representatives among the highest in the country, reflecting their importance and responsibilities.
Critics of the Hike
The hike is unjustified while other state workers, like teachers and health workers, face low wages and unmet demands.
Utilization of the Hike
Supporters of the Hike
The increased salaries and allowances are necessary for the effective functioning of the legislators.
Critics of the Hike
The money could be better utilized for the welfare of the poor and other state workers who are protesting for better pay and conditions.
- Current MLA Salary
- Rs 3.45 lakh per month
- Previous MLA Salary
- Rs 1.11 lakh per month
- Opposing MLA
- Laxman Munda (CPI(M))
- Date of Hike Approval
- December 9
- Chief Minister's New Salary
- Rs 3,74,000 per month
- Assembly Speaker's New Salary
- Rs 3,68,000 per month
- Ex-MLA Pension
- Rs 1.17 lakh per month
- Naveen Patnaik's Decision
- Forgoes salary and allowances as Leader of Opposition
Sources
Laxman Munda opposes triple hike in MLAs’ salary
Patnaik to forgo enhanced salary of LoP, asks govt to use that money for welfare of poor people
Naveen Patnaik forgoes salary and allowance hiked for leader of Opposition
