After Recliners In Assembly, Karnataka MLAs Set For Salary Hike With CM-Led Panel’s Approval

Currently, a Karnataka MLA receives a salary of approximately Rs 1 lakh per month, along with additional allowances and perks that push their total monthly earnings beyond Rs 3 lakh.

The Karnataka Assembly’s Budget Session, which commenced on Monday, is set to be a crucial period for the ruling government.

Source : PTI

The Siddaramaiah-led Business Advisory Committee (BAC) has approved a proposal to hike the salaries of Karnataka’s state legislators, setting the stage for a significant pay increase. The decision, made during a high-powered meeting, is expected to spark controversy, especially as previous salary hikes under the BJP-led government in 2022 had faced little resistance from the Congress or Janata Dal (Secular), as per a report on ANI.

The meeting, attended by key political figures, including Assembly Opposition Leader R Ashoka, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil, Speaker UT Khader, and Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, reportedly saw no objections to the proposed salary revision. While the exact figures remain undisclosed, sources told ANI indicate that a substantial increase is on the horizon and is likely to be formalized during the ongoing legislative session.

Currently, a Karnataka MLA receives a salary of approximately Rs 1 lakh per month, along with additional allowances and perks that push their total monthly earnings beyond Rs 3 lakh. The new hike is expected to further increase these earnings significantly.

The Karnataka Assembly’s Budget Session, which commenced on Monday, is set to be a crucial period for the ruling government. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has confirmed that he will present the state Budget on March 7.

The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting, originally scheduled for March 4, has now been rescheduled to March 10, raising speculation about possible internal discussions on policy and governance matters.

On the other hand, the Business Advisory Committee will decide the duration of the Assembly session with Siddaramaiah stating that he has met with opposition leaders to hear their views on legislative proceedings.

Meanwhile, the BJP protested outside the assembly on Monday over electricity, milk price hikes and the MUDA scam.

BJP leader CT Ravi, as per ANI said, "Nearly 2 years have gone by. Congress government has raised the bills from solar electricity to milk... Petrol and diesel prices in the state have increased because the state government increased the petrol cess... Everyone knows the law and order situation in the state."