Karnataka Approves 100% Salary Hike for CM, Ministers, and MLAs Amid Rising Costs
The Karnataka government on Friday greenlit a 100% salary hike for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, ministers, and MLAs, sparking debate over two amendment bills passed to boost their pay and allowances.
On March 21, 2025, the Karnataka Assembly approved the Karnataka Ministers’ Salaries and Allowances (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Karnataka Legislature Members’ Salaries, Pensions, and Allowances (Amendment) Bill 2025. The move doubles salaries across key legislative positions.
The Chief Minister’s monthly salary rises from Rs 75,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh. Ministers will now earn Rs 1.25 lakh, up from Rs 60,000, while state ministers see a jump from Rs 50,000 to Rs 70,000.
MLAs’ salaries increase from Rs 40,000 to Rs 80,000 per month. Their pensions rise to Rs 75,000 from Rs 50,000, with additional pension amounts climbing from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000.
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Constituency travel allowance for MLAs jumps to Rs 80,000 from Rs 60,000 monthly. Annual train and air ticket allowances rise to Rs 3.5 lakh from Rs 2.5 lakh, while ministers’ house rent allowance doubles to Rs 2.5 lakh.
Home Minister G Parameshwara justified the decision, stating, “Their expenses are rising, just like everyone else’s. A common man is struggling, and so are MLAs. The CM will find a way to manage this money.”
Minister MB Patil backed the hike, saying, “There’s nothing wrong with raising MLAs’ salaries if a committee recommends it. Globally, high pay ensures independence and reduces corruption.”
The salary and allowance revisions will add Rs 62 crore annually to the state’s expenditure. The government cited rising living costs and long-overdue revisions as reasons for the increase.
The bills, now passed, await the Governor’s assent to take effect. Critics have raised concerns over the timing amid Karnataka’s financial challenges, hinting at potential opposition in the coming days.
