Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh legislators are set to become richer with the BJP-led state government giving a nod to revision of their salary and allowance. The decision was taken on Wednesday at the State cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The government gave a go-ahead for the rise in the salary and perks of members of the MP Assembly after a gap of six years. The Bill to this effect is expected to be tabled on Thursday during the ongoing budget session of the House for clearance, which is going to be a mere formality, as the lawmakers from all parties want the hike, a senior state minister said.
With the development, the salaries and allowances of lawmakers will go up to Rs 1.10 lakh from the present Rs 71,000. Besides, Chief Minister and the Speaker’s salary will increase to Rs 2 lakh from Rs 1.43 lakh and to Rs 1.85 lakh from Rs 1.20 lakh respectively. Likewise, ministers’ pay and perk will increase to Rs 1.70 lakh from the current Rs 1.20 lakh. The ministers of state will get Rs 1.50 lakh from the present Rs 1.03 lakh.
Besides, the cabinet has given powers to in-charge Minister of Ujjain district to sanction upto Rs one crore for necessary works of contingency nature for Simhastha. These powers will be in vogue during Simhastha period from April 22 to May 21. Proposals of works will be sent by Ujjain Commissioner to in-charge Minister.
A Congress MLA preferring anonymity said they too needed the hike desperately because of soaring inflation. Besides, the Aam Admi Party (AAP) has criticized the State government and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for the salary hike.
