The Karnataka Assembly has approved a substantial increase in salaries and allowances for ministers, MLAs, MLCs, and Assembly staffers despite ongoing concerns about a fund shortage. The ‘Karnataka Legislature Salaries, Pensions and Allowances (Amendment) Bill, 2025’ was passed on Friday, leading to widespread debate and criticism.
The legislation, which proposes a 100 percent salary hike for key officeholders, comes at a time when the government has been vocal about financial constraints. The bill was passed amid ongoing controversies, including the honey trap row, which has dominated discussions in the Assembly.
According to official sources, the Chief Minister’s salary will double from Rs 75,000 to Rs 1.50 lakh per month, while ministers will see their salaries rise by 108 percent from Rs 60,000 to Rs 1.25 lakh. Legislators will also benefit from a 100 percent increase, with their salaries going up from Rs 40,000 to Rs 80,000. Additionally, the rental allowance for ministers has been raised significantly from Rs 1.20 lakh to Rs 2.50 lakh.
The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and the Chairman of the Legislative Council will also see their monthly salaries increase from Rs 75,000 to Rs 1.25 lakh, with allowances rising from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. These hikes are expected to add an additional financial burden of Rs 62 crore on the state treasury.
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot gave his approval for the bill on Thursday, prompting the government to present it in the legislature on the final day of the budget session. The decision has sparked criticism, with many questioning the timing of the pay hike given the government’s ongoing claims of financial constraints.
Legislators had reportedly demanded an increase in salaries during discussions in the Business Advisory Committee (BAC). This marks the first revision of salaries and allowances since 2022, following a policy decision made under the previous BJP-led government, which mandated a review of legislator pay and benefits every five years.
In addition to salary increases, the pension for legislators has been raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000 per month. The annual travel allowance, which covers expenses for flights and railway services, has also been increased from Rs 2.50 lakh to Rs 3.50 lakh.
While the move benefits Karnataka’s elected representatives, critics argue that it contradicts the government’s claims of financial distress. The decision is likely to remain a contentious issue as discussions about state finances and governance priorities continue.
