The Indian government has decided to increase the salaries, allowances, and pensions of Members of Parliament (MPs), effective from April 1, 2023. This announcement was made through a gazette notification by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs on Monday.
Salary and allowance hike
The salary of MPs in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha has been raised from Rs 1 lakh per month to Rs 1.24 lakh per month. Additionally, their daily allowance during parliamentary sessions has increased from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500. This daily allowance helps cover their expenses while attending Parliament.
Former MPs will also receive higher pensions. The pension has increased from Rs 25,000 per month to Rs 31,000. Moreover, for every extra year served beyond five years, former MPs will now get Rs 2,500 per year, which was previously Rs 2,000.
This pay revision comes during the ongoing budget session of Parliament. The last time such a revision took place was in April 2018. The goal of the increase is to adjust MPs’ salaries to match inflation and the rising cost of living.
Other allowances and benefits
In addition to their salary, MPs receive various allowances to cover their work expenses. According to the 2018 revision, MPs get Rs 70,000 per month as a constituency allowance, which helps them manage office expenses and stay connected with voters. They also get Rs 60,000 per month as an office allowance, and this will also increase.
During parliamentary sessions, MPs get a daily allowance of Rs 2,000, now increased to Rs 2,500. Apart from this, they receive annual allowances for phone and internet bills. MPs are also entitled to 34 free domestic flights per year for themselves and their families. They can travel first-class by train at any time for both professional and personal trips. If they travel by road, they can claim a mileage allowance too.
MPs also receive free utilities. They get 50,000 free units of electricity and 4,000 kilolitres of water every year. The government provides them with rent-free housing in New Delhi during their five-year term. Depending on their seniority, they may get hostel rooms, apartments, or even bungalows. If an MP decides not to take government housing, they receive a monthly housing allowance instead.
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