‘MLAs should work with zero salary’: Madhu Babu’s ideology cited as pay hike draws flak

The recent hike in the salaries of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Odisha has drawn sharp criticism from several quarters, with many terming the decision unjustified and insensitive amid unemployment, delayed recruitments and ongoing protests by frontline workers.

The Odisha government recently increased the monthly salary of the legislators to Rs 3.45 lakh. Under the revised structure, an MLA will draw Rs 90,000 as basic salary, along with Rs 75,000 as constituency and secretarial allowance, Rs 50,000 towards conveyance, Rs 50,000 as fixed travelling allowance, Rs 35,000 as medical allowance, Rs 20,000 for electricity charges, Rs 15,000 for telephone expenses and Rs 10,000 for books and journals.

Expressing discontent over the move, Banasmita Swain, a student, said, “There are inordinate delays in SSB lecturer recruitment and no concrete initiative has been taken. Youths are losing hope. At such a time, increasing MLAs’ salaries is completely unjustified,” she said.

“The allowances MLAs receive are unnecessary. Students are not getting adequate benefits, but legislators continue to enjoy more facilities,” another student rued.

Another student, Sarada, condemned the move and referred to past ideals of public service. “I strongly condemn the decision to hike MLAs’ salaries. Madhu Babu had once said MLAs should work without a salary. Anganwadi workers and school teachers are protesting in the cold, yet MLAs increased their pay for personal benefit,” he remarked.

Jhas Ketan Barik, a student, criticised both the quantum of the hike and the speed with which the Bill was passed.

“The Bill was passed within an hour. Odisha’s per capita income is low, yet MLAs are drawing one of the highest salaries in the country. Many youths don’t earn Rs 3.45 lakh a year, while MLAs get that amount every month,” he said.

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Madhusmita Rout, a faculty member, said, “Increasing the salary of MLAs at this time was not urgent. There are many areas, including healthcare and education, that require greater focus. With higher salaries come greater responsibilities. Are MLAs willing to make public their report cards on the developmental work done by them?”