MPs Salary Increase

Members of Parliament (MPs) in India have received a salary and allowance increase for the first time in five years. The basic pay has been increased by 24%, from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.24 lakh per month, effective retrospectively from April 1, 2023. This, combined with various allowances, brings the total monthly package to ₹2.86 lakh.

Historical Context and Comparison

• The last salary increase for MPs was in 2018, accompanied by a proposal for automatic revision every five years.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, MPs' salaries were cut by 30% for a year but were later restored.
• The current raise results in an average annual increase of 4.8%, not strictly linked to the cost-inflation index as proposed earlier.

Comparison with Bureaucrats

• The current package for MPs is approximately equivalent to top bureaucrats' salaries but lacks certain benefits.
• Unlike bureaucrats, MPs' packages include allowances meant for daily parliamentary attendance, office expenses, and constituency allowances, which are not direct earnings.
• MPs are entitled to various other benefits, including reimbursements for utilities and travel expenses.

Challenges and Considerations

• There is an ongoing debate on the adequacy of MPs' compensation in relation to their responsibilities and public service requirements.
• The salary structure does not fully account for MPs' seniority over government secretaries.
• Despite public perception of MPs' wealth, many come from modest backgrounds and require adequate compensation to perform their duties effectively.