By Sunil Jena, Editor-in-Chief
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Legislative Assembly has passed the Salary, Allowances and Pension Bill, 2025, approving a major revision in the salaries and allowances of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Ministers and MLAs. The Bill was cleared just before the Assembly was adjourned sine die.
The new structure brings a threefold increase in several components, raising important questions on public expectations and accountability.
Key Highlights of the Revised Pay Structure
1️⃣ Speaker’s New Salary & Allowances
- Monthly salary increased from ₹40,500 to ₹98,000
- Sitting allowance enhanced from ₹800 to ₹2,000
- Monthly car allowance raised from ₹17,000 to ₹89,000
- Personal expenditure allowance increased from ₹40,000 to ₹1,81,000
- Housing allowance: ₹2,000 per day instead of ₹100 per month
2️⃣ Deputy Speaker’s Revised Benefits
- Monthly salary increased from ₹38,000 to ₹94,000
- Sitting allowance raised to ₹2,000
- Car allowance enhanced to ₹85,000
- Personal allowance increased from ₹40,000 to ₹1,77,000
- Housing allowance: ₹2,000 per day
3️⃣ What MLAs Will Receive Now
Monthly Salary & Pension
- ₹35,000 → ₹90,000
- ₹40,000 → ₹96,000
- ₹36,000 → ₹92,000
Travel & Office Expenses
- Constituency & Secretariat visit allowance:
₹20,000 → ₹75,000 - Committee meeting allowance:
₹1,500 → ₹3,000 - Out-of-state travel:
₹2,000/day → ₹10,000/day - Car travel within Odisha:
₹25/km → ₹35/km - Monthly vehicle allowance:
₹15,000 → ₹50,000
Other Allowances
- Books purchase allowance: ₹2,000 → ₹10,000 per month
- Electricity bills: ₹5,000 → ₹20,000
- Medical allowance: ₹5,000 → ₹35,000
- House rent for MLAs without quarters:
₹1,000/day → ₹2,000/day - Vehicle purchase loan: ₹5 lakh → ₹10 lakh
The Big Question: Will Higher Pay Improve Public Service?
With this significant salary and allowance increase, a major public conversation has begun. Citizens are asking reasonable and democratic questions:
• Will MLAs now attend to people’s grievances more effectively?
• Will public representatives avoid unethical practices?
• Will transparency in constituency work improve?
• Will people receive quicker responses to phone calls and issues?
These questions reflect public expectation, not allegations. The revised pay package is designed with the belief that better compensation may lead to improved performance. However, the real test will be seen in how MLAs connect with their constituencies, handle public issues, and maintain accountability in the days to come.
The people of Odisha will be watching closely to see whether this major revision leads to improved governance and stronger public service.
