Ugadi bonanza for Karnataka MLAs, ministers; double salary hike amid rising public costs

Even as Karnataka’s common citizens brace for rising metro and bus fares, along with increased electricity and water bills, legislators and ministers have received a significant salary boost as an Ugadi festival gift.

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Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has approved a sharp hike in salaries and allowances for MLAs, ministers, and other officials ahead of the upcoming Assembly session.

Revised Salaries and Allowances

• Chief Minister: ₹75,000 → ₹1,50,000
• Ministers: ₹60,000 → ₹1,25,000
• MLAs: ₹40,000 → ₹80,000
• MLA Pension: ₹50,000 → ₹75,000
• Additional Pension: ₹5,000 → ₹20,000
• Former MLAs’ Medical Allowance: ₹5,000 → ₹20,000
• Field Travel Allowance: ₹60,000 → ₹80,000
• Train/Air Ticket (Annual): ₹2.5 lakh → ₹3.5 lakh
• CM & Ministers’ Guest Allowance: ₹4.5 lakh → ₹5 lakh
• Ministers’ House Rent Allowance: ₹1.2 lakh → ₹2.5 lakh
• Ministers of State: ₹50,000 → ₹70,000 (Salary), ₹1.2 lakh → ₹2 lakh (Rent)
• Speaker & Deputy Speaker: ₹75,000 → ₹1,25,000, ₹60,000 → ₹80,000 respectively
• Leader of Opposition: ₹60,000 → ₹80,000 (Salary), ₹2.5 lakh → ₹3 lakh (Guest)

This pay hike comes amid growing concerns over increasing living costs for the general public, sparking criticism over the government's priorities.