Centre hikes MPs' salary by 24%; check out their additional perks and benefits
PTC Web Desk: The Central Government has approved a 24% increase in the salaries of Members of Parliament (MPs). The Parliamentary Affairs Ministry issued a notification regarding the hike on Monday. Under the revised structure, the monthly salary of serving MPs has increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.24 lakh.
This salary hike has been implemented in accordance with the Cost Inflation Index (CII). The revised salaries will be applicable retrospectively from April 1, 2023.
Earlier, in 2018, the Narendra Modi-led government established a rule mandating a review of MPs' salaries and allowances every five years. These periodic revisions are based on inflation rates to ensure fair compensation adjustments over time.
In addition to the salary increment, MPs' daily allowances and pensions have also been revised. The daily allowance, previously Rs 2,000, has now been increased to Rs 2,500. The pension for former MPs has been raised from Rs 25,000 per month to Rs 31,000 per month.
For former MPs who have served for more than five years, the additional pension amount has also been increased. Earlier, they received Rs 2,000 per month for each additional year served; this amount has now been raised to Rs 2,500 per month.
Additional benefits and perks for MPs
Apart from their salaries, Members of Parliament receive several other benefits and allowances, including travel allowances, housing, and medical facilities. Some of the key privileges are:
1. Free Air and Rail Travel
Each MP is entitled to 34 free air travel tickets annually. Additionally, they have the option to transfer up to 8 of these trips to their associates or staff. MPs also enjoy free rail travel across all classes of the Indian Railways. This benefit is applicable both during and outside of parliamentary sessions.
For road travel, MPs receive a travel allowance of Rs 16 per km when undertaking official duties where air or rail transport is not feasible. Furthermore, during parliamentary sessions, MPs are provided with transportation facilities within Delhi. Retired MPs also receive partial concessions on air and rail travel.
2. Free Electricity and Water Supply
MPs residing in government-allotted accommodations in Delhi receive up to 50,000 units of free electricity and 4 lakh litre of water per month. In addition, they are entitled to a designated government residence for their tenure.
3. Free Telephone Calls
Lok Sabha MPs are entitled to 1,50,000 free telephone calls, while Rajya Sabha MPs receive 50,000 free calls.
4. Comprehensive Medical Benefits
MPs have access to free medical treatment in both government and private hospitals. Under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), they are entitled to comprehensive medical care, including hospitalisation and specialist treatments. If a specific medical treatment is not available in India, the government provides special permissions and financial support for overseas medical treatment.
Even after leaving office, former MPs continue to receive medical benefits under the CGHS. This medical coverage extends to their spouses as well.
5. Government Vehicle and Research Support
Serving MPs receive government-provided vehicles for official use. Additionally, they are granted research assistance and staff support to aid in their legislative duties.
6. Subsidised Meals in Parliament Canteen
MPs also enjoy heavily subsidised meals in the Parliament canteen, allowing them to access nutritious food at significantly lower prices.
- PTC NEWS
