The Karnataka government has approved a 100% salary hike for the chief minister, ministers, and MLAs, triggering a heated public debate. This decision pertains to two amendment bills—The Karnataka Ministers’ Salaries and Allowances (Amendment) Bill 2025 and The Karnataka Legislature Members’ Salaries, Pensions, and Allowances (Amendment) Bill 2025. Sources suggest the bills are likely to be tabled in the Assembly on Thursday itself.
Home Minister G Parameshwara defended the salary increase, citing rising living costs and the financial pressures lawmakers face.
“The justification is that their expenditure is also going up along with other people. A common man is also suffering, and MLAs are also suffering. So, recommendations have come from MLAs and others, and that is why the Chief Minister has taken the decision. Everybody has to survive and CM will manage to give this money from some account…,” Parameshwara said.
Supporting the move, State Minister MB Patil stated that increasing lawmakers’ salaries is reasonable if done through an independent committee. He argued that better pay promotes independence and reduces corruption among public representatives.
“There is nothing wrong in the salary and perks of MLAs being raised, it is not fair if we do it ourselves; that’s why a committee is there which is recommended…you take the example, the PM, Ministers and MPs are highest paid in the world…that makes them very independent not corrupt…we cannot compare our salaries to Singapore but still decent pay should be given…,” said MB Patil, speaking to ANI.
However, not all lawmakers share this enthusiasm. Congress legislator Dr Ranganath voiced reservations, saying he did not personally expect a hike. He acknowledged that some MLAs may require a basic salary for their expenses, but suggested a more modest increase.
“I am not very sure about this issue. I am a doctor and MLA. I am not expecting that hike personally, but there are many MLAs who need a basic salary. If they give a hike, it won’t be more than 10 or 20 per cent,” said Ranganath.
The proposal has stirred controversy, with critics questioning the timing and necessity of such a substantial hike amid the state’s ongoing financial challenges.