Friday, Mar 21 2025 | Time 16:59 Hrs(IST)
States » SouthPosted at: Mar 20 2025 11:27PM


Karnataka doubles lawmakers' salaries, sparks debate

Bengaluru, Mar 20 (UNI) The Karnataka government has approved a 100 percent salary hike for the Chief Minister, ministers, and MLAs, a move that has sparked debate amid financial concerns.
Under the revised structure, the Chief Minister's salary will increase from Rs 75,000 to Rs 1,50,000 per month, ministers' salaries from Rs 60,000 to Rs 1,25,000, and MLAs' and MLCs' salaries from Rs 40,000 to Rs 80,000.
Pensions and allowances, including travel and housing benefits, will also see a 50 percent increase.
Defending the proposal, Karnataka Ministers G Parameshwara and MB Patil on Thursday cited rising expectations and financial constraints as key factors.
Home Minister Parameshwara told reporters, "MLAs' expectations are rising, just like those of the general public. The government is also facing financial strain, and MLAs are no exception. That is why these recommendations have been made. Ultimately, everyone needs to survive—it's a matter of necessity, much like the chicken-and-egg situation. The Chief Minister will ensure that funds are allocated accordingly."
Large and Medium Industries Minister Patil echoed similar sentiments, asserting that there was nothing wrong with revising legislators' salaries and perks.
"It is not fair if we do it ourselves, which is why a committee has made the recommendations. You take the example of Singapore—its Prime Minister, Ministers, and MPs are among the highest-paid in the world, which makes them independent and not corrupt. We cannot compare our salaries to Singapore, but a decent pay should still be given," he said.
While the ministers justified the increase, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and sections of the public. Many question the timing of the hike, pointing out that the state is facing financial challenges. Critics argue that instead of increasing salaries for lawmakers, the government should prioritise public welfare initiatives and essential services.
The draft bill proposing the salary revision has been framed in response to longstanding demands from legislators, as the previous amendment in 2022 mandated a revision every five years, which had not been implemented.
The move has now triggered a wider debate on whether legislators' salaries should be increased at a time of economic strain or if the government should focus on addressing fiscal challenges and public welfare. UNI BDN SSP
Tags: #Karnataka doubles lawmakers' salaries# sparks debate
More News
Karnataka CM not just leader of Muslims, but the state: Vijayendra

Karnataka CM not just leader of Muslims, but the state: Vijayendra

21 Mar 2025 | 4:46 PM

Bengaluru, Mar 21 (UNI) Karnataka BJP Chief Vijayendra Yediyurappa on Friday criticised the Congress-led state government, asserting that 'the Chief Minister is not just the leader of Muslims but of the entire state.'
He slammed the decision to grant a 4% reservation to Muslim contractors in government tenders, calling it an act of "blatant appeasement politics."
"The Chief Minister has repeatedly stated that 4% reservation in government tenders will be given to Muslims. The question is, why only Muslims? Why has the Chief Minister, who came to power with the support of all communities, forgotten the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and neglected the injustice faced by Hindus in Karnataka?" Vijayendra questioned while addressing media.

see more..

AP CM, his family render Annaprasadam Seva in Tirumala

21 Mar 2025 | 4:34 PM

Tirumala, Mar 21 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday visited Matrushri Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasadam Complex (MTVAC) along with his family members and rendered Annaprasadam Seva to the devotees.

see more..

CMs, Dy CMs, top political leaders from non-BJP ruled states to attend DMK-led Delimitation meet tomorrow

21 Mar 2025 | 4:32 PM

Chennai, Mar 21 (UNI) A crucial Joint Action Committee (JAC) meeting involving representatives
from non-BJP ruled States which were likely to face reduction in the number of Lok Sabha seats
because of the proposed delimitation exercise based on population by the BJP-led Government
at the Centre, will be held in Chennai on Saturday.

see more..

Trough discontinuity runs from South Chhattisgarh to South Interior Karnataka: Met

21 Mar 2025 | 4:23 PM

Amaravati, Mar 21 (UNI) The trough or wind discontinuity now runs from South Chhattisgarh to South Interior Karnataka across Telangana and North Interior Karnataka at 1.5 km above mean sea level, Meteorological Centre said on Friday.

see more..

ACB sleuths caught In-Charge Sub-Registrar for accepting Rs 20,000 bribe in Telangana

21 Mar 2025 | 4:16 PM

Hyderabad, Mar 21 (UNI) The officials Warangal Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Unit on Thursday caught an In-Charge Sub-Registrar while accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000 in Jangaon district in Telangana.

see more..