n a dramatic and unprecedented move, the Odisha Legislative Assembly has approved a 3.5-times increase in salaries for its members, shifting the state’s lawmakers from the lowest salary bracket in the country to one of the top tiers. With the hike being implemented retrospectively for 18 months, each MLA is set to receive a one-time arrear of ₹30.40 lakh, sparking widespread public debate and criticism.

A Historic Salary Upgrade for Lawmakers

Once known for offering the lowest pay package to elected representatives, the Odisha Assembly passed the Odisha Legislative Members’ Salaries, Allowances and Pension (Amendment) Bill, 2025 on December 9 without any opposition.

Under the revised structure:

• Basic MLA salary: Increased from ₹1 lakh to ₹3.45 lakh per month

• Chief Minister’s salary: Raised to ₹3.74 lakh per month

• Deputy CMs, Speaker, Cabinet Ministers, LoP, Govt Chief Whip: Between ₹3.62–₹3.68 lakh

• Ministers of State & Deputy Speaker: Now fixed at ₹3.56 lakh

• Former MLAs’ pension: Enhanced to ₹80,000 per month

Additional benefits include:

• Medical reimbursement enhancements

• Electricity allowance: ₹20,000

• Telephone bill allowance: ₹15,000

The government claims these revisions bring Odisha on par with or ahead of other Indian states.

Public Anger Over Massive Backdated Payout

The hefty arrear payment of over ₹30 lakh per MLA has ignited severe criticism across social media. Many questioned the justification for such a raise at a time when the state faces infrastructural gaps, education issues, and economic strain.

Netizens expressed frustration:

• “Higher salaries demand higher accountability,” wrote one user.

• Several citizens argued that attendance and performance metrics should have been mandated before approving such significant increases.

Critics also questioned the timing and scale of the arrears, calling it an unnecessary burden on public funds.

Assembly Defends the Move

Inside the Assembly, legislators justified the hike, stating that:

• Higher salaries will attract better talent to public life

• Odisha must match national standards in compensation

• Lawmakers require adequate resources to perform efficiently

However, public skepticism remains high, with many doubting whether higher pay will solve chronic issues like absenteeism, disruptions, and low legislative productivity.

A Debate Far From Over

As Odisha enters this new phase of high compensation for its leaders, concerns over transparency, accountability, and public trust grow louder. Whether this move leads to improved governance—or merely adds to the lawmakers’ already secure financial position—remains a question only time will answer.

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