Bengaluru: Legislators demand another hike within a year

Bengaluru, Aug 13: At a time when the government is dilly-dallying in the matter of revising salary and perquisites of government employees, transport staff, policemen etc, some legislators have urged the government to hike their remuneration, although a hike was already given to them last year. The salary and allowances of legislators was increased last year by about 40 percent. This time again they want a similar hike, and in this matter, MLAs from all the parties are united, it is gathered. Till last year, the MLAs were drawing around Rs 95,000 per month including salary and allowances. After revision, their income went up to Rs 1.30 lac per month. Their current demand is said to be to hike the same to Rs 1.75 or 2 lac per month. As per information, JDS legislators, B B Ningaiah, H K Kumaraswamy, and K M Shivalinge Gowda have written to the chief minister and assembly speaker, duly putting forth their demand. In case MLAs are made presidents or members of any committees, they are eligible for special allowances. They also get special allowance when they go on visit of districts. Karnataka ranks fourth in the list of states paying highest salary and allowances to legislators. Once the hike is approved, it will result in enhancement in the remuneration of all the concerned, right from the MLAs to the chief minister.