Fri Mar 21 02:10:40 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka MLAs Vote on Controversial Salary Hike

**Bengaluru, March 20, 2025** – The Karnataka state legislature is poised to vote on a bill that would dramatically increase the salaries and allowances of its lawmakers and top government officials. The proposed changes, which could be approved as early as tomorrow, would see salaries doubled for the Chief Minister and other ministers, along with significant increases in pensions, travel allowances, and other benefits.

Home Minister G Parameshwara justified the proposed hike, stating that the rising cost of living affects MLAs as much as the common man. He added that the recommendations came from MLAs and others, and the Chief Minister approved the decision. Minister HB Patil echoed this sentiment, comparing the current salaries to those of government officials in Singapore.

The bill would double the Chief Minister’s salary to ₹150,000 per month and ministers’ salaries to ₹125,000. MLAs and MLCs would see their monthly pay rise from ₹40,000 to ₹80,000. Pensions would also increase significantly, from ₹55,000 to ₹95,000 per month. Travel allowances would see a substantial increase, along with medical, telephone, and postal allowances. Salaries for the Assembly Speaker and Legislative Council Chairman would also receive a 67% increase.

However, the proposal has sparked controversy. The BJP opposition party, citing the state’s struggling economy, has voiced strong opposition. Even within the ruling Congress party, dissent has emerged. Congress MLA Dr. Ranganath expressed reservations about the scale of the proposed increases, suggesting a more modest 20% hike would be sufficient. The final vote on the bill will determine whether these significant increases are approved, amidst concerns about the financial implications and the perception of fairness during a time of economic hardship.

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