Tripura Assembly Approves Major Salary Hike for Ministers and MLAs
Agartala, Jan 15, 2025, By Our Correspondent220
The Tripura State Assembly has approved a substantial salary hike for the Chief Minister, Ministers, and MLAs, marking an increase of over 81 to 92 percent in their pay. This decision was formalized with the passage of the Ninth Amendment Bill on the final day of the Winter Session, held on January 10–15.
The Ninth Amendment Bill, addressing the salaries, allowances, pensions, and other benefits of key officeholders—including the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Leader of the Opposition (LoP), Chief Whip, and Members of the Assembly—was passed unanimously, receiving no opposition from any political party.
Revised Salaries and Benefits
The revised salaries are as follows:
- Chief Minister: ₹97,000 (up from ₹53,630)
- Deputy Chief Minister: ₹96,000 (up from ₹52,630)
- Ministers, Speaker, LoP, and Chief Whip: ₹95,000 (up from ₹51,780)
- Deputy Speaker: ₹94,000 (up from ₹50,510)
- MLAs: ₹93,000 (up from ₹48,420)
The hike represents the first revision since 2019. In addition to the basic salary, legislators and other officeholders are entitled to multiple allowances, including hospitality, conveyance, travelling, dearness, constituency, postal, telephone, and house rent allowances.
Pension Enhancements for Former MLAs
The bill also proposes a significant increase in pensions for former MLAs and their families. Monthly pensions for former legislators will rise to ₹66,000 from ₹34,500, while family pensions will increase to ₹48,000 from ₹25,000. In a notable change, all MLAs, regardless of the duration of their tenure—even if it was just a single day—will now be eligible for retirement benefits, including pensions. Previously, a minimum tenure of four-and-a-half years was required for these benefits.
Rationale for the Revision
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ratan Lal Nath justified the amendments, citing rising inflation and the need to align salaries with the responsibilities of elected representatives. "The last revision in 2019 is now outdated, given the increasing price index. This hike is essential to maintain parity with other states," Nath explained during the Assembly session.
He also highlighted the financial struggles faced by some family members of former MLAs and Ministers, stating, "Elected officials often have to support constituents in need. Many former legislators' families face economic hardships, making this revision necessary."
Comparative Analysis
Nath pointed out that Tripura’s Ministers and MLAs have historically received the lowest salaries in the country, whereas their counterparts in Telangana enjoy the highest.
Opposition’s Perspective
Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chowdhury, who also serves as the CPI(M)’s Tripura state secretary, supported the bill while emphasizing the importance of maintaining "parity and legitimacy" in such revisions. He noted that the salary hike for Ministers and MLAs amounts to nearly a 100 percent increase.
Governor’s Address
The Winter Session commenced with Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu delivering the customary address, outlining the state government’s performance and vision for development in 2025.
The bill's passage marks a significant step in ensuring financial stability for elected representatives in Tripura while addressing long-standing disparities in salaries and pensions.