A significant development is underway in Jammu and Kashmir as a House Committee constituted by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather has recommended a comprehensive revision of salaries, allowances, and pensions for Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and ex-legislators. The panel’s proposal suggests a twofold increase in MLA monthly pay and major enhancements in other financial benefits.
Proposed Salary Hike for MLAs
The House Committee has put forth a proposal to double the monthly salary of MLAs from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh. This proposed revision includes an increment in various allowances to ensure legislators are better compensated for their public responsibilities.
According to the Committee’s recommendations, the Salaries and Allowances of Members of the Jammu and Kashmir State Legislature Act, 1960 should be amended to include:
- Basic Salary: ₹80,000 (up from ₹60,000)
- Constituency Conveyance Allowance: ₹1.10 lakh
- Telephone Allowance: ₹30,000
- Medical Allowance: ₹20,000
- Sumptuary Allowance: ₹30,000
- Secretariat Assistance Allowance: ₹30,000
This brings the total monthly package to ₹3 lakh, effectively doubling the current compensation of ₹1.5 lakh.
Enhanced Housing and Vehicle Loan Benefits
In addition to salary increments, the Committee also recommended substantial revisions to the Housing Loan and Motor Car Advance Rules.
The proposed revisions include:
- Housing Loan: Increase from ₹10 lakh to ₹75 lakh
- Car Advance: Increase from ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh
These enhancements aim to provide legislators with improved financial support to manage their housing and travel needs effectively.
Pension Hike for Former Legislators
A major part of the proposal focuses on improving pensionary benefits for former legislators. The Committee recommended a monthly pension of ₹1.10 lakh, ensuring that retired representatives receive fair compensation for their years of public service.
Allowances for Personal Assistants
Recognizing the important role of personal staff, the Committee also proposed an increase in remuneration for Personal Assistants (PAs) of MLAs. Their monthly payment is set to increase from ₹12,000 to ₹25,000, acknowledging the growing workload and rising living expenses.
Salary Revision for Chief Minister and Other Key Officials
The Committee has also urged amendments to various Acts and rules to proportionately revise salaries of the Chief Minister, Speaker, Ministers, and the Leader of the Opposition. The proposed pay hike for MLAs will serve as a basis for adjusting the salaries of these high-ranking officials accordingly.
Retrospective Effect from November 2024
The Committee unanimously agreed that all proposed amendments should take retrospective effect from November 1, 2024, which is the date when the current members began receiving their existing salaries and allowances.
Committee’s Justification for Salary Revision
In its report, the House Committee emphasized that the role of a legislator is a full-time responsibility. The increasing cost of living and demands associated with public duties make it essential to revise their compensation structure.
The report stated:
“Legislators find it challenging to meet growing expenses associated with their public duties. Therefore, a revision of salaries and allowances has become necessary.”
Comparison with Other States and Union Territories
The Committee conducted a detailed comparative study of salary structures across various States and Union Territories in India. Based on this analysis, it concluded that Jammu and Kashmir legislators receive relatively lower allowances, particularly given the challenging hilly terrain and unique socio-political environment of the region.
Focus on Constituency Conveyance Allowance
One of the key recommendations concerns the Constituency Conveyance Allowance, which is meant to cover transportation and outreach expenses for MLAs. The Committee observed that current allowances are inadequate and fail to meet the diverse needs of legislators who travel extensively across remote and difficult areas.
Enhancing Public Service Efficiency
The panel believes that the proposed enhancement in salaries and allowances will not only help legislators manage legitimate expenses but also improve the quality and efficiency of their public service.
According to the report:
“This revision will assist members in meeting legitimate expenses associated with public life while enhancing the quality of their performance as representatives of the people.”
Public Perception and Legislative Accountability
The Committee also addressed the public perception of legislators’ remuneration. It urged citizens to recognize that elected representatives are vital stakeholders in the governance process. Adequate compensation, it said, is essential to ensure their independence, accountability, and ability to serve effectively.
The report stated:
“People must realize that their representatives are the vital interface between the public and the Government. They deserve adequate pay for the responsibilities they shoulder.”
Next Steps: Government Approval Pending
Sources indicate that the report will be tabled before the House for approval. Once approved, the Government will move forward to amend the relevant Acts and officially implement the new salary, allowance, and pension structures.
The final decision will determine whether the salary revisions for MLAs, Ministers, the Chief Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition take effect as proposed.
Committee Composition
The Committee, chaired by BJP MLA Surjit Singh Slathia, included several senior legislators from different political parties, reflecting a bipartisan consensus. The members were:
- Ali Mohammad Sagar (NC)
- Ghulam Ahmad Mir (Congress)
- Sajad Gani Lone (People’s Conference)
- Hasnain Masoodi (NC)
- Mohammad Fayaz (PDP)
- Pirzada Farooq Ahmed Shah (NC)
- Arjun Singh Raju (NC)
- Muzaffar Iqbal Khan (Independent)
If approved, the proposed salary and allowance revision for Jammu and Kashmir legislators marks a significant policy step.
