Assembly News: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Dec 3: Members of the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday, cutting across party lines, demanded an increase in their salaries and pensions for former MLAs, citing the rising costs of essential goods and healthcare expenses. Legislators also called for expanding health insurance coverage for journalists.
The MLAs proposed raising their local area development fund from ₹3 crore to ₹5 crore and increasing their monthly salary to ₹2.5 lakh. They also emphasized the need to increase the pension for former legislators to ₹70,000 per month.
BJD leader Pramila Malik highlighted the financial struggles of former MLAs due to high living costs and medical expenses, suggesting that the Speaker consider forming a new committee if necessary to revisit the recommendations. A previous panel had suggested these increases, she added.
Deputy Chief of Opposition Pratap Keshari Deb stressed the inadequacy of the current MLA Local Area Development Fund and supported its hike to ₹5 crore. Similarly, Congress Legislature Party leader Ramachandra Kadam endorsed the proposed salary, pension, and fund increases to address the needs of MLAs and former legislators effectively.
