Odisha MLAs’ salary hike Bill likely to be revisited in budget session: BJP MLA

The issue of revising the salaries of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Odisha is likely to be taken up again in the State Legislative Assembly, with the proposed salary hike bill expected to be reconsidered in the upcoming Budget Session. BJP MLA Bhaskar Madhei made this statement on Friday.

The proposed revision had earlier triggered widespread debate after a decision was taken during a previous Assembly session to increase MLAs’ salaries by nearly three-and-a-half times, raising the amount to Rs 3.45 lakh. Following strong public criticism over the steep hike, the state government decided to put the proposal under review.

Proposal Under Review Again

Speaking to the media, Bhaskar Madhei said the matter is once again under consideration, and discussions are likely to focus on the extent of the salary revision. While an increase is still being proposed, he said deliberations would centre on whether the salary should be fixed at Rs 3.5 lakh or revised to a lower figure.

“We urged the government to revise the salaries of the MLAs with a minimum increment as per the requirement. The government is assessing the issue, and a decision will be taken after due consideration. I believe the government will reconsider this in the upcoming Assembly sessions,” Madhei said.

BJP MLAs Submit Written Proposal

According to reports, BJP MLAs had submitted a written proposal to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi requesting a reassessment of the salary structure. CM Mohan Majhi is understood to have accepted the proposal, paving the way for further review and discussion.

Budget Session May See Reassessment

Sources indicated that the issue is likely to be taken up during the upcoming Budget Session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly. In view of the public backlash against what was seen as a sudden and substantial salary hike, the proposed increase may be scaled down after fresh deliberations.

Further clarity on the matter is expected once discussions are held in the Assembly.