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The Karnataka government approved a 50% pay hike for the Chief Minister, ministers, and MLAs. Despite this, salaries remain lower than Telangana and Delhi.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah speaks during the budget session in Bengaluru, Tuesday, March 18. (PTI Photo)
The Karnataka government has approved a 100% pay hike for its elected representatives, increasing the salaries of the Chief Minister, ministers, and MLAs to double the amount they received earlier. The move places Karnataka among the higher-paying states for public representatives, though it still falls short of the figures seen in Telangana and Delhi.
Under the proposed revision, the Chief Minister’s salary will double from Rs 75,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh per month, while ministers will see their salaries increase from Rs 60,000 to Rs 1.25 lakh. MLAs, who currently earn Rs 40,000, will have their salaries doubled to Rs 80,000 per month. The revised salaries do not account for additional allowances and perks, which substantially enhance the total earnings of public representatives.
The Karnataka Assembly witnessed dramatic scenes as the state budget and proposal to increase MLA salaries were passed amidst vehement protests by BJP MLAs. According to PTI, opposition members stormed the podium, where Speaker UT Khader’s chair was placed, and flung papers at him in a show of dissent. Despite the uproar, the Assembly successfully approved the budget along with bills sanctioning increases in the salaries, pensions, and allowances of MLAs, ministers, and the Chief Minister.
Where Karnataka Stands Among High-Paying States
Despite the pay hike, Karnataka’s revised salaries remain lower than those of several other states. Telangana leads the country in elected representatives’ remuneration, with its Chief Minister drawing Rs 4.10 lakh per month, including allowances for housing, travel, and security. Ministers in Telangana receive Rs 3–3.5 lakh per month, while MLAs earn around Rs 2.5 lakh, boosted by area allowances, medical benefits, and travel reimbursements. Additionally, Telangana MLAs receive an annual constituency development fund of Rs 3 crore.
Delhi follows closely behind, with its Chief Minister earning Rs 3.90 lakh per month. Ministers in the national capital receive around Rs 3 lakh, and MLAs are paid Rs 90,000 monthly. The Delhi Assembly approved a 66% pay hike in 2023, increasing MLAs’ salaries from Rs 54,000 to Rs 90,000, along with daily allowances and official residences. Additionally, Delhi legislators have access to Rs 4 crore annually for constituency development.
Salaries Across Key States
- Telangana: CM Rs 4.10 lakh, Ministers Rs 3–3.5 lakh, MLAs Rs 2.5 lakh
- Delhi: CM Rs 3.90 lakh, Ministers Rs 3 lakh, MLAs Rs 90,000
- Uttar Pradesh: CM Rs 3.65 lakh, Ministers Rs 2–2.5 lakh, MLAs Rs 1.87 lakh
- Maharashtra: CM Rs 3.40 lakh, Ministers Rs 2.5–3 lakh, MLAs Rs 1.60 lakh
- Karnataka (post-hike): CM Rs 3 lakh, Ministers Rs 2–2.5 lakh, MLAs Rs 1.60 lakh
Larger States, Higher Salaries
Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state with 403 MLAs, ranks third in elected representatives’ salaries. The Chief Minister receives Rs 3.65 lakh per month, ministers earn Rs 2–2.5 lakh, and MLAs are paid Rs 1.87 lakh, including area and medical allowances. Additionally, MLAs receive a Rs 7.5 crore constituency development fund over five years.
Maharashtra provides its Chief Minister a salary of Rs 3.40 lakh per month. Ministers earn Rs 2.5–3 lakh, and MLAs receive an average of Rs 1.60 lakh, which includes travel and medical benefits. Maharashtra MLAs also receive Rs 2 crore annually for constituency development, along with perks such as free housing and vehicles. Pensions start at Rs 30,000 and increase based on tenure.
Karnataka’s Rising Salaries
Karnataka had previously increased MLA and ministerial salaries in 2022. With the latest revision, the Chief Minister’s total earnings will rise to around Rs 3 lakh per month, factoring in allowances. Ministers will receive between Rs 2–2.5 lakh, while MLAs will now earn a total of Rs 1.5 lakh per month, including area allowances of Rs 25,000, travel allowances of Rs 35 per km, and Rs 2,500 per day during assembly sessions. Karnataka MLAs are also allocated Rs 2 crore annually for constituency development.