The Karnataka government has approved a 100% salary hike for the Chief Minister, Ministers, and MLAs, a decision that has sparked widespread debate. The approval was granted for two amendment bills that will now be tabled in the state Assembly.
The Karnataka Ministers’ Salaries and Allowances (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Karnataka Legislature Members’ Salaries, Pensions, and Allowances (Amendment) Bill 2025 were both cleared by the government, with sources indicating that they are likely to be introduced in the Assembly on Thursday itself.
Defending the decision, Home Minister G Parameshwara justified the salary hike, arguing that lawmakers also face rising expenses like ordinary citizens.
“The justification is that their expenditure is also going up along with other people. A common man is also suffering, and MLAs are also suffering. So, recommendations have come from MLAs and others, and that is why the Chief Minister has taken the decision. Everybody has to survive, and the CM will manage to give this money from some account…,” Parameshwara said.
State Minister MB Patil also supported the proposal, asserting that salary increases should be determined by an independent committee rather than lawmakers themselves. He pointed out that higher salaries for politicians, as seen in other countries, help maintain integrity and reduce corruption.
“There is nothing wrong in the salary and perks of MLAs being raised. It is not fair if we do it ourselves; that’s why a committee is there which recommended this. Take the example of the Prime Minister, Ministers, and MPs— they are among the highest paid in the world. That makes them very independent and not corrupt. We cannot compare our salaries to Singapore, but still, a decent pay should be given…,” Patil told ANI.
However, not all lawmakers are in agreement. Congress legislator Dr Ranganath expressed uncertainty over the salary increase, stating that while some MLAs may require financial support, a more modest hike of 10-20% would be more reasonable.
“I am not very sure about this issue. I am a doctor and an MLA. I am not expecting that hike personally, but there are many MLAs who need a basic salary. If they give a hike, it won’t be more than 10 or 20 per cent,” said Ranganath.
The decision to double lawmakers’ salaries has triggered a heated debate, with critics questioning its necessity, especially as Karnataka faces various financial challenges. While supporters argue that higher salaries ensure greater independence for lawmakers, opponents believe public funds should be allocated more efficiently.
(Inputs from ANI)
