World’s highest-paid leader’s salary rises:Singapore PM to earn ₹27 crore annually; 135 times more than Modi

The Singapore government has decided to increase the salaries of the Prime Minister, ministers and other senior officials. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who is among the highest-paid leaders in the world, will see his annual income rise by around ₹11 crore. Wong currently earns around 2.2 million Singapore dollars (approximately ₹16 crore) annually. After the hike, his annual package will rise to around 3.6 million Singapore dollars (approximately ₹27 crore). This means his income will increase by more than 60%. In comparison, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s annual salary is around ₹20 lakh. This means Wong’s new annual income will be around 135 times Modi’s salary. Ministers’ salaries will also rise Singaporean ministers currently earn around 1.1 million Singapore dollars (₹8.20 crore) annually. Under the new system, this will rise to around 1.2 million dollars (₹8.95 crore). According to Wong, by the end of the current government’s term, most ministers could earn up to 1.35 million dollars (around ₹10 crore) annually. A portion of their salary will depend on the government’s performance. Their earnings could increase if targets such as creating jobs, raising people’s incomes and achieving GDP growth are met. Government’s argument — higher salaries will reduce corruption The Singapore government has long defended its decision to pay ministers high salaries. The government says ministers should be well paid so that capable people are encouraged to enter politics and stay away from corruption. Singapore is among the least corrupt countries in the world. It has also consistently ranked high in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. The government considers this an example in support of its high-salary system. Public anger, concerns over jobs and inflation The high salaries of ministers have long been a controversial issue in Singapore. The average income of ordinary people is much lower in comparison. The country’s average annual income is 5,775 Singapore dollars, or around ₹4.30 lakh. The decision to raise salaries has once again drawn criticism. Many people on social media said the government had ignored the problems faced by ordinary citizens. People are concerned about job losses, employment opportunities for fresh graduates and rising inflation. According to government data, the number of people who lost their jobs in the previous quarter was the highest in more than five years. However, some people also supported the government’s decision, saying that giving responsibility to the ‘best people’ is necessary to run the country. ​