Karnataka government proposes 100% salary hike for CM, ministers amid economic concerns

The Karnataka government has introduced a proposal to double the salaries of the Chief Minister, Ministers, and MLAs, along with significant hikes in pensions and travel allowances.

The proposal, which will be put to vote soon, has sparked debate, with critics questioning the economic viability of such increases.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara defended the proposed salary hike, stating that rising expenses have impacted not only the common people but also elected representatives.

"The justification is that their expenditures are also going up... the common man is suffering, and MLAs are also suffering," he told reporters. He added that MLAs themselves had recommended the increase, prompting the Chief Minister to take action.

Backing his stance, Minister HB Patil argued there was nothing wrong with raising lawmakers' salaries and compared their earnings to those of senior government officials in Singapore.

The Karnataka Legislature Salaries, Pensions and Allowances (Amendment) Bill seeks to revise a 1956 law to implement the following changes:

- Chief Minister's salary: ₹1,50,000 per month (up from ₹75,000)

- Ministers' salaries: ₹1,25,000 per month (up from ₹60,000)

- MLAs and MLCs' salaries: ₹80,000 per month (up from ₹40,000)

- Pensions: ₹95,000 per month (up from ₹55,000)

In addition to salary hikes, the bill proposes:

- Travel allowances: ₹3,50,000 per month (up from ₹2,50,000)

- Constituency travel allowances: ₹60,000 per month (up from ₹40,000)

- Medical, telephone, and postal allowances: ₹1,10,000 per month (up from ₹85,000)

For key government officials:

- Speaker & Legislative Council Chairman: ₹1,25,000 per month (up from ₹75,000)

- Sumptuary allowances: ₹5,00,000 per month

- House Rent Allowances: ₹2,50,000 per month for the Speaker, Leader of the Opposition, and Chief Whips

The BJP has strongly opposed the move, questioning its justification given Karnataka's current financial situation. The party has raised concerns about whether the state economy can sustain such a drastic increase in government spending.

Interestingly, even some Congress leaders have expressed reservations. HD Ranganath, an MLA from Kunigal, voiced his skepticism, saying, "I am not very sure about this. I am a doctor and MLA... there are other MLAs who need a basic salary, but if they give a hike, it shouldn't be more than 20 per cent."

The proposal will be put to vote in the Karnataka Assembly, and if passed, it will bring one of the largest salary hikes for lawmakers in the state's history.