- The Central government has raised MPs’ salaries to ₹1.24 lakh per month and increased their daily allowance to ₹2,500.
- Former MPs will now receive a pension of ₹31,000, with additional increments for longer service.
- Apart from salaries, MPs continue to enjoy perks like free air travel, rent-free housing, and healthcare benefits.
Why Did the Government Approve This Salary Hike?
In a move that has sparked debate, the government has announced a salary hike for Members of Parliament (MPs), along with increases in their allowances and pensions. As per a gazette notification, the revised pay structure will be effective from April 1, 2023. This is the first revision since April 2018 and comes during the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament.
Under the new pay structure, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs will now receive a monthly salary of ₹1.24 lakh, up from ₹1 lakh. Their daily allowance has also increased from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500. Additionally, former MPs will see their pensions rise from ₹25,000 to ₹31,000 per month, with an increase in the extra pension for every additional year of service beyond five years, from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500.
While this hike is aimed at addressing inflation and rising expenses, it also means a greater financial burden on the exchequer, given that the country has 543 Lok Sabha MPs, 245 Rajya Sabha MPs, and a significant number of former lawmakers who will now receive higher pensions.
What Perks Do MPs Receive?
Beyond their salaries, MPs enjoy several privileges. They receive a ₹70,000 monthly constituency allowance to manage work in their electoral districts and ₹60,000 per month for office expenses, which covers staff salaries, telecommunications, and stationery.
MPs are also entitled to:
- 34 free domestic air journeys per year for themselves and their families.
- Rent-free government accommodations in prime locations, or a ₹2 lakh monthly housing allowance if they choose private housing.
- 50,000 units of free electricity annually and 4,000 kilolitres of free water per year.
- Full healthcare coverage under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) for MPs and their families.
The hike has drawn mixed reactions, with some defending it as necessary due to inflation, while others question the justification when common citizens are struggling with rising costs. Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara supported the decision, stating that “just like the common man, MPs also face increasing expenses.”
As public debate around the issue grows, many are asking whether these benefits are justified, or if MPs should prioritize economic challenges faced by ordinary citizens before approving pay raises for themselves.
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