‘Extortion of exchequer:’ Sharp rise in MLA salary in Odisha sparks public outcry

The recent hike in the salary and allowances of Odisha’s MLAs has sparked widespread debate across the state. While the increase in pay has drawn attention, it is the steep rise in various allowances-particularly for electricity, telephone, books, travel, and medical expenses, that has generated the most public scrutiny.

Under the revised structure, MLAs will now receive Rs 20,000 per month for electricity expenses, up from Rs 5,000, and Rs 15,000 for telephone bills, tripling the previous limit. Critics argue that such increases are hard to justify at a time when annual costs for unlimited calls and data range between Rs 4,000 and Rs 6,000. The book allowance has also been raised significantly from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000 a month, along with a jump in medical allowance from Rs 5,000 to Rs 35,000 and travel allowance from Rs 15,000 to Rs 50,000.

"It feels like an extortion of the state exchequer. The decision to provide a medical allowance of Rs 35,000 raises serious questions. It is constantly claimed that government healthcare facilities have improved significantly. If that is true, then MLAs should be able to receive treatment there. What, then, is the justification for granting such a high medical allowance? asked Arabinda Das, a resident of Rourkela.

"What is the need to raise the allowances to such an extent? Why have the travel, medical, and electricity expenses of MLAs been increased so steeply? For instance, the electricity allowance has been raised from Rs 2,000 to Rs 20,000. What justifies such a massive hike? How much electricity do they require, and how large are the residences they intend to maintain with this allowance? asked Mahendra Parida, a resident of Cuttack.

As per sources, allowances had not been revised for eight years, and the hike is necessary to meet current needs. Meanwhile, BJD MLA Arun Sahoo stated that questions are natural if allowances are not used responsibly. BJP MLA Agasti Behera said the government has addressed long-standing demands of both sitting and former legislators.

"People are looking at the issue from different perspectives. If MLAs receive higher allowances but fail to fulfil their responsibilities properly, it will raise countless questions among the public," said BJD MLA Arun Sahoo.

Also Read: Odisha MLA pay rise sparks debate: Political support meets expert resistance

"Raising the salaries and allowances of MLAs has been a long-standing demand. We fully respect the sentiments of the people, and ours is a government that belongs to them. During our 17 months in office, we have consistently worked for the welfare of farmers and women, ensuring their needs and concerns are addressed," said BJP MLA Agasti Behera.

The Assembly passed the revised salary bill unanimously. With the changes coming into effect, annual expenditure on MLA salaries and allowances will rise from Rs 17 crore to Rs 60 crore, placing an additional burden of Rs 43 crore on the state exchequer. The retrospective implementation will require a further Rs 66 crore.

The sharp increases, particularly in allowances, have left many citizens questioning the rationale behind the decision and its impact on public finances.