Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India]: The Karnataka government has approved a 100% salary hike for the Chief Minister, Ministers, and MLAs, triggering public debate. The decision was formalized through two amendment bills:
- Karnataka Ministers’ Salaries and Allowances (Amendment) Bill 2025
- Karnataka Legislature Members’ Salaries, Pensions, and Allowances (Amendment) Bill 2025
According to sources, these bills are expected to be tabled in the Assembly later on Thursday.
Justification for the Salary Hike
Defending the move, Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that rising living costs had necessitated the increase.
“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…”
State Minister MB Patil also supported the move, arguing that an independent committee recommended the hike, ensuring fairness.
“There is nothing wrong in the salary and perks of MLAs being raised… you take the example — the PM, Ministers, and MPs are highest paid in the world… that makes them very independent, not corrupt… we cannot compare our salaries to Singapore, but still, decent pay should be given.”
Mixed Reactions
Not everyone agreed with the decision. Congress MLA Dr Ranganath expressed uncertainty and proposed a smaller increase.
“I am not very sure about this issue. I am a doctor and 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.”
Public Debate
The salary hike has faced criticism, with some questioning its timing given Karnataka’s ongoing financial challenges.