Lawmakers give themselves 100% pay hike in Karnataka

BENGALURU: Karnataka assembly passed on Friday bills that double the salaries and perks of the CM, ministers, and members of both Houses, a hefty revision that will cost the exchequer Rs 62 crore annually amid an acute shortage of funds for infrastructure development work in the state.

The massive hike comes despite the state having some of the richest legislators in the country. Affidavits for the 2023 polls revealed that 97% of the MLAs were crorepatis.

Now, CM Siddaramaiah's salary will double from Rs 75,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh per month, while ministers will see a 108% increase from Rs 60,000 to Rs 1.25 lakh. The Speaker and legislative council chairman will now earn Rs 1.25 lakh per month, up from Rs 75,000. MLAs and MLCs will also receive a 100% salary hike, from Rs 40,000 to Rs 80,000 per month. Pensions will double to Rs 75,000.