Reports of a hike in the salary of Odisha MLAs from Rs 1 lakh to a whopping Rs 2.5 lakh, while netizens are reeling under skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, has spread widespread resentment among people.
If reports are to be believed, Odisha lawmakers, who claim to be the lowest paid in the country, may get a salary of Rs 2.5 lakh. As of now, they are getting around Rs 1 lakh including allowances.
The committee constituted by the Odisha Assembly Speaker has sent a proposal to the latter in this regard. The committee members suggested salary of Rs 2.5 lakh for MLAs and Rs 1 lakh pension for former MLAs in a letter to the Assembly Speaker.
There were reports that the Odisha Assembly Legislative Advisory Committee is considering the demands of the MLAs. However, Odisha government is yet to make any confirmation in this regard.
The lawmakers, cutting across party lines, stated that the salary of MLAs of other states is around Rs 2 – 2.5 lakh. However, there has been no substantial rise in pay for Odisha MLAs. The hike will include salary, pension, travel, medical and other allowances.
“We as MLAs were equally affected by Covid-19 like any common man. We also have to spend a lot during travels to our constituencies. So, our salary also should be hiked in comparison to the salary of MLAs of other states,” said BJD MLA Debiprasad Mishra.
Similarly, Leader of Opposition, Jayanarayan Mishra said, “Well, I haven’t seen the recommendation as of now. But, the amount of salary that MLAs of Odisha withdraw is very less as compared to MLAs of other states. So, I would definitely call for a hike.”
On the other hand, Congress leaders stated that there was indeed a need for salary hike of the MLAs, but this wasn’t the right time.
“Yes, there is a need for hike in salary because we have more workload. We have to extend support to all starting from students to patients and other talented youths. But, currently, the prices of essential commodities are very high. Many people are not getting a square of meal. So, this isn’t the right time to demand a hike in salary,” said veteran Congress leader Sura Routray.
However, this is one more nail in the coffin of the common people who are helpless due to the spiraling price rise of essential commodities like vegetables, fuel, cooking oil, pulses and other daily needs. The pay hike, at a time when people are yet to recover from lockdown crisis, has received widespread criticism from all quarters.
Teachers and Anganwadi workers, who are sitting in protest under bone-chilling cold, expressed their discontent over the matter. While the government is sitting idle and not considering their demands, the substantial hike of MLAs who are already enjoying all the government benefits is condemnable, said the protestors.
“Teachers of Odisha are the least paid in the country. If they can hike the salary of MLAs, why can’t they hike our salary,” said Rajesh Mohanty, member of Primary Teachers’ Association.
Similarly, an Anganwadi worker Sibani Bisoyi said, “The government very well knows that we get a mere salary of Rs 7500 while MLAs get Rs 1 lakh. Don’t they understand how difficult it is to survive with just Rs 7500 in these times?”
Condemning the demands of the MLAs, Dibyajyoti Samal, a resident of Cuttack said, “Government is not able to give pension to retired employees. However, they have enough money to give salary hike to MLAs. This is laughable and condemnable.”