Odisha MLA Salary Hike Bill Withdrawn

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Odisha government withdraws MLA salary hike bill after criticism
Proposed pay would have made MLAs among highest paid in India
All parties supported rollback amid public and political pressure

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha MLA salary hike bill withdrawn decision marks a major political U-turn after widespread criticism over proposed pay increases. The state government has scrapped the bill that aimed to significantly raise salaries and allowances for MLAs, ministers, and top Assembly officials.

The move comes after growing pressure from opposition parties and public voices who questioned the timing and scale of the proposed hike.

Why Odisha MLA Salary Hike Bill Was Withdrawn

The government initially pushed the amendment bills last year to revise salaries of elected representatives. However, the proposal quickly became controversial.

Critics argued that the revised pay would have placed Odisha legislators among the highest paid in India. This triggered concerns about priorities, especially amid economic pressures and rising public issues.

Political consensus eventually formed against the hike. Leaders across party lines urged the government to reconsider, leading to the final withdrawal.

Proposed Salary Structure Sparked Debate

Under the now-withdrawn proposal, salaries and allowances were set to rise sharply.

MLAs would have received around Rs 3.45 lakh per month. The Chief Minister’s total compensation was projected at nearly Rs 3.74 lakh.

Cabinet ministers and ministers of state were expected to draw about Rs 3.60 lakh monthly, including allowances.

Notably, the revision would have increased salaries three times, making it one of the steepest hikes among Indian states.

Bills Withdrawn by Odisha Government

The rollback covers multiple amendment bills tied to salaries and pensions of key positions.

These include:

Odisha Legislative Assembly Members’ Salary, Allowances and Pension Amendment Bill 2025
Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker’s Salary and Allowances Amendment Bill 2025
Odisha Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker’s Salary and Allowances Amendment Bill 2025
Odisha Ministers’ Salaries and Allowances Amendment Bill 2025

The withdrawal effectively restores the existing pay structure.

Political Impact and What It Signals

The decision reflects how public perception can influence policy, especially on sensitive issues like elected representatives’ salaries.

By stepping back, the government aims to avoid political fallout and maintain credibility. It also shows that bipartisan pressure can lead to quick course correction.

Also Read | Odisha Crime Rate 2025 Rises Despite Peaceful Claim

For now, there is no indication of a revised proposal in the near future.

Any future attempt to adjust salaries is likely to be more gradual and carefully positioned, keeping public sentiment in mind.

The episode highlights a key political reality. Salary hikes for lawmakers remain one of the most sensitive governance decisions, often drawing intense scrutiny.

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