The New Year is poised to bring substantial financial benefits to current and former legislators in Madhya Pradesh as the state government has completed a draft proposal recommending significant increases in their salaries, allowances, and pensions.
Substantial Increases in Monthly Emoluments
The draft proposal suggests raising the total monthly compensation for MLAs from the current ₹1,10,000 to ₹1,65,000, marking a substantial 50% increase. This comprehensive package covers various components of their remuneration beyond basic salary.
For former legislators, the pension structure is set for a major boost. The monthly pension for ex-MLAs will jump from ₹35,000 to ₹65,000, while the family pension for their surviving family members will increase from ₹18,000 to ₹25,000 per month.
Enhanced Benefits and Allowances
The three-member committee responsible for the recommendations, headed by Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Dewda who also oversees the finance department, has proposed several additional benefits. The committee includes BJP MLA Ajay Vishnoi and Congress MLA Sachin Yadav, representing both major political parties.
Key recommendations include:
- Increase in local development fund from ₹3.25 crore to ₹5 crore, including discretionary funds of ₹75 lakh
- Medical insurance policy for former MLAs and their spouses with a premium of ₹10,000 per month
- Enhanced travel privileges allowing MLAs and their spouses to travel by AC1 class in trains
- Air travel allowance increased to ₹5 lakh annually per MLA
- Travel allowance rate hike from ₹15 to ₹25 per kilometer
- Annual pension increase raised from ₹800 to ₹1,500 per year
Financial Impact and Approval Process
If all proposed changes are approved, the state exchequer will face an additional annual burden of ₹58.51 crore. The committee held its initial meeting on October 28, 2025, though the scheduled November 24 meeting was postponed.
Informed sources from the Vidhan Sabha indicate that while informal discussions among committee members have occurred, the draft proposal is currently under consideration by the Chief Minister and the Speaker for final approval. The bill concerning salary and allowance increases is not on the agenda for the upcoming winter session, but if approved in time, it could be introduced toward the session's conclusion.
This proposed revision comes after a decade-long gap, with the last salary and allowance increase for MLAs and former legislators occurring in 2016. The comprehensive nature of these proposals reflects the committee's aim to adequately compensate legislators for their public service while accounting for inflation and increased living costs over the past ten years.
