Karnataka Govt Approves 100% Salary Hike For CM, Ministers, MLAs – Cites Necessary To “Survive”

The Karnataka government has approved a 100 percent salary hike for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his Cabinet Ministers, and MLAs, citing rising expenses and the need to "survive" in the current economic climate. The decision has sparked widespread debate, with some justifying the move while others criticizing it as excessive.

The announcement comes after the approval of the Karnataka Ministers' Salaries and Allowances (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Karnataka Legislature Members' Salaries, Pensions, and Allowances (Amendment) Bill 2025. These bills outline the revised salary structure for top government officials.

According to several media reports, the bills are expected to be tabled in the Assembly soon. Following this, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, and other top government officials, including the Assembly Speaker and the Leader of the Opposition, will cast their votes on the proposal.

Justifications For The Hike

Defending the decision, Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that the increase was necessary due to rising costs, arguing that lawmakers, like common citizens, are also facing financial strain.

"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 told ANI.

Further backing the salary hike, State Minister MB Patil contended that increasing lawmakers' salaries is a fair move if it is based on recommendations from an independent committee. He argued that higher salaries could reduce corruption among officials by making them financially secure.

"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 told to ANI.

Criticism And Opposition

Despite government justifications, the announcement has faced pushback, even from within the ruling party. Congress legislator Dr. Ranganath expressed skepticism about the proposed hike and suggested a more moderate 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, as per ANI.

Proposed Salary Hike Structure

If the proposed salary hike receives final approval from lawmakers, the revised salaries would be as follows:

Designation	Old Salary (p.m)	Potential New Salary (p.m)
Chief Minister	Rs 75,000	Rs 1,50,000
Cabinet Minister	Rs 60,000	Rs 1,20,000
MLA	Rs 40,000	Rs 80,000
MLC	Rs 40,000	Rs 80,000

Additional Benefits And Allowances

The salary hike would also lead to an increase in additional benefits. Travel allowances, which cover air and rail tickets, are expected to rise from Rs 2,50,000 per month to Rs 3,50,000 per month. Other perks, including medical allowances, telephone charges, and postal expenses, could see an increase from Rs 85,000 to Rs 1,10,000 per month.

As the bill awaits further deliberations and voting in the Assembly, the controversy surrounding the pay hike continues to intensify, with divided opinions on whether such an increase is truly justifiable in the current economic scenario.