Karnataka approves 100% salary hike for CM, Ministers and MLAs

Karnataka government has approved 100% salary hike for the Chief Minister, ministers, and members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).The decision is part of two amendment bills - Karnataka Ministers' Salaries and Allowances (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and Karnataka Legislative Members' Salaries, Pensions, and Allowances (Amendment) Bill, 2025. If the bill is passed, the Chief Minister's monthly salary will increase from RS 75,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh. MLAs and Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) will see their salaries double from Rs40,000 to Rs 80,000. Additionally, other key office bearers, such as the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Opposition leaders, will also receive increments. The proposed amendment includes an increase in allowances such as the sumptuary allowance, house rent allowance (HRA), and travel benets.
The Speaker and Chairman of the Legislative Council will see their salaries rise from Rs75,000 to Rs1.25 lakh, while the Deputy Speaker and Deputy Chairman will receive Rs 80,000 instead of the current Rs60,000. Home Minister G. Parameshwara defended the salary hike, attributing it to rising living costs and the financial pressures faced by lawmakers. "The justification is that their expenses are rising, just like everyone else’s. A common man is also struggling, and so are MLAs. Recommendations came from MLAs and others, which is why the Chief Minister decided to approve it. Everyone has to survive, and the CM will find a way to manage this money from some account," Parameshwara said.
State minister MB Patil also defended the proposal, arguing that raising lawmakers' pay and perks is acceptable if decided by an independent committee. Patil pointed out that even the Prime Minister, Ministers, and MPs are among the highest-paid in the world, which makes them more independent and less corrupt.

(State Correspondent)