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.

Author Profile

Sunil Jena: Sunil Jena is the Editor of The Politics Odia, an independent digital platform that delivers fearless political analysis, ground reports, and investigative stories from Odisha. Known for bold storytelling and grassroots connections, Sunil is shaping a new era of regional journalism.

MLA Salary Tripled: Will Higher Pay Improve Public Service? A Detailed Look at the New Allowance Bill

Key Highlights of the Revised Pay Structure

1️⃣ Speaker’s New Salary & Allowances

2️⃣ Deputy Speaker’s Revised Benefits