Bhubaneswar, Aug. 31 (UDN): The issue of salary, allowances and other benefits for sitting and former MLAs in Odisha has come under renewed focus, with a joint parliamentary committee reviewing the existing provisions during its visit to the state.
According to a written statement issued by the Odisha government, the committee observed a need to revise the existing pay structure of legislators after examining their salaries, allowances, pensions and other facilities.
Panel Compares Benefits Across States
The committee, headed by Chairman Birendra Prasad Baishya, reviewed the facilities available to Odisha’s serving and former legislators and compared them with the benefits provided to Members of Parliament and legislators in other states.
During its two-day visit to Odisha, the panel held separate discussions with Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, Assembly Secretary Satyabrata Rout, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling and senior government officials.
Although the committee’s primary mandate concerns the salaries and allowances of MPs, officials said it also examines the facilities extended to MLAs and former legislators as part of its study of legislative benefits across states.
After concluding its Odisha visit, the committee is scheduled to travel to Maharashtra to review the salary and facilities available to MLAs and former legislators there.
Salary Hike Proposal Back in Focus
The latest development comes months after the Odisha government withdrew four Bills in March that had been passed by the Assembly in December 2025. The proposed legislation sought to provide a substantial increase in the salaries, allowances and other benefits of MLAs.
The withdrawal of the Bills had triggered criticism from opposition parties as well as sections of the public.
With the parliamentary committee now reviewing the existing pay and facilities, the possibility of a fresh revision of Odisha legislators’ salary and benefits has once again come into focus.
The committee’s observations and recommendations are expected to provide further clarity on the proposed changes and the future course of action by the Odisha government.