Decision soon on MLAs’ salaries and allowances in MP:Committee to submit proposal to govt within month; before Winter Assembly Session

The decision to increase the salaries, allowances, and facilities of current and former MLAs in Madhya Pradesh is likely to be taken within a month. The committee formed by the state government is expected to submit its proposal to the government before the upcoming Winter Session of the Assembly. The proposal could then be introduced as a bill in the session for approval. Committee formed to review salaries and benefits The General Administration Department (GAD) issued an order on October 27, constituting a committee to review the salaries, allowances, pensions, and facilities of MLAs and former MLAs. The committee includes Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda (also Minister for Finance, Commercial Tax, and Planning Economic Statistics), Ajay Vishnoi, MLA from Patan (Jabalpur), and Sachin Yadav, MLA from Kasrawad (Khargone district). Anupam Rajan, Additional Chief Secretary of the Parliamentary Affairs Department, has been appointed as the committee’s Member Secretary. First meeting held; comparative data sought The committee held its first meeting on October 28, attended by Deputy CM Devda and MLA Ajay Vishnoi. During the meeting, members sought comparative data on the salaries, allowances, and pensions of legislators across all states. Since the required information was not immediately available, the committee decided to hold its next meeting on November 11, by which time the Parliamentary Affairs Department will compile and present the requested data. Comparative report from all states requested The committee has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Department to prepare a state-wise comparative report on salaries, pensions, and other benefits provided to MLAs and ex-MLAs. Once the report is received and reviewed, the committee will hold a final meeting to make its recommendations. It is expected that the final report will be submitted to the government by November 30, so that the Cabinet can take a final decision during the Winter Session starting December 1. Demand for hike raised during Monsoon Session The demand for a hike in salaries and allowances was raised during the Monsoon Session of the Assembly. Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar and several opposition MLAs had pressed for an increase, which was supported by members of the ruling party as well. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav had assured the House that the government would consider the proposal. Following his assurance, the committee was formed promptly to submit its report before the next Assembly session. ​