Shimla: On the last day of budget session, Himachal Pradesh MLAs gave themselves a salary hike in the wake of 'sharp increase in the cost of living'. Last year too, they had increased their salaries but considering it insufficient. On Thursday, with chief minister Virbhadra Singh tabling four separate bills, which were passed amid thumping of tables by ruling and opposition members.
Now, an MLA would get enhanced salary of Rs 55,000 per month, against Rs30,000 earlier. The daily allowance of MLA too has been increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,800 per day.
Earlier, an MLA was paid Rs 60,000 per month as constituency allowance, which now has been increased to Rs 90,000 per month. Office allowance too has been increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000 per month, while computer or data entry operator allowance has been increased from Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000 per month.
Reimbursement of existing limit of free transit facility has been increased from Rs two lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh, while travelling allowance has been increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000. The bill also takes care of the needs of former MLAs as free transit reimbursement limit has been increased from Rs one lakh to Rs 1.25 lakh.
Pension of former MLAs has also been increased from Rs 22,000 to Rs 28,000 per month, with the provision of additional pension of Rs 1,000 for every year, in excess of the period of first term.
The salary of the chief minister has been increased from Rs 65,000 to Rs 95,000 per month, while that of minister has been increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 80,000 per month. Sumptuary allowance of the chief minister and cabinet ministers has also been increased from Rs 30,000 to Rs 95,000 per month. Their reimbursement of existing limit of free transit facility too has been increased from Rs two lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh, while travelling allowance has also been increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000.
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