Odisha parliamentary panel recommends MLA salary and pension revision

A joint parliamentary committee has recommended a revision of the salaries, allowances, and pensions for sitting and former Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Odisha. The committee, led by MP Birendra Prasad Baishya, conducted discussions with Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling to compare Odisha’s current compensation packages with those of other state assemblies and Parliament.

This recommendation follows the withdrawal of four bills in early 2026 that had proposed a three-fold increase in legislator pay. Those bills, which would have raised monthly salaries from Rs 1.11 lakh to Rs 3.45 lakh, were pulled after facing public backlash.

Supporters of the revision, including opposition BJD MLA Ganeswar Behera, noted that Odisha’s current pay structure ranks low compared to other states. Concerns were also raised regarding the financial stability of former legislators, noting that current monthly pensions of Rs 30,000 may be insufficient to cover medical expenses.