Full report likely by Oct 30
Guwahati Sept 25: There is an indication that the salaries of ministers and MLAs in Assam may be increased soon, as the three-member committee formed in July to review their compensation has submitted an interim report with positive recommendations.
The interim report suggests a likely hike in salaries, and the committee is expected to finalize and submit its full report by October 30. This move is part of an ongoing review aimed at adjusting the remuneration of the state’s ministers and legislators.
The three-member committee formed to review the proposed salary increase for ministers and legislators is comprised of former Additional Secretary Himanshu Shekhar Das, former Principal Secretary of the Assam Legislative Assembly Hemen Das, and State Finance Secretary Malbika Chowdhury.
In its interim report, the committee acknowledged the need for a salary hike for the Assembly Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Chief Minister, Ministers, and MLAs. However, the report did not provide specific details or recommendations regarding the extent of the salary increase.
The final report may include more concrete proposals on the revised salary structure.
In 2018, the salaries of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Chief Minister, Ministers, and MLAs were increased by 30% to 50%. This raised the Chief Minister’s salary from ₹1.3 lakh to ₹1.6 lakh, the Cabinet Minister’s salary to ₹1.1 lakh, and the Minister of State’s salary to ₹95,000. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker’s salaries were set at ₹1.1 lakh, and MLAs’ salaries were increased from ₹60,000 to ₹80,000.
As per the decision taken during that revision, the salaries of ministers and legislators are to be reviewed and increased every five years. In the current case, it is anticipated that their salaries could be increased by 50%, though the interim report submitted by the committee has not yet specified the exact figures.
The proposed salary hike for ministers and legislators in the state is primarily based on a scientific study that takes into account factors such as GDP growth and changes in market values. However, there has been limited action so far regarding the increase in pensions for former MLAs. Currently, many families of former MLAs are receiving pensions as low as ₹3,000 to ₹5,000, which is seen as inadequate.
This time, along with the salary hike, there is also a proposal to amend the rules regarding pensions for former MLAs. The proposal to increase the pension amounts has been accepted, and it is expected that former MLAs will receive more substantial pensions following these amendments, providing better financial security for them and their families.
