Perks and salaries of MPs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn in as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the third time as the 18th Lok Sabha session began on June 24.

Newly elected MPs, including those in the Council of Ministers, also took oaths during this inaugural session. As new MPs take their seats, their salaries and perks come into focus.

MPs receive a monthly salary of ₹1 lakh, which includes a basic pay of ₹50,000, as stipulated by the Salary, Allowances, and Pension of Members of Parliament (Amendment) Act, 2010.

Their salary increases every five years, supplemented by daily allowances.

MPs get office expenses of ₹60,000 per month. This covers costs for stationery, telecommunications, and staff salaries.

Additionally, they are entitled to a daily allowance of ₹2,000 to cover lodging, food, and other expenses while in the capital for parliamentary sessions and committee meetings.

For travel, MPs enjoy 34 free domestic air journeys annually for themselves and their immediate families.

They also receive free first-class train travel for both official and personal purposes. When travelling by road within their constituencies, MPs can claim mileage allowances.

MPs are provided rent-free accommodations in prime areas during their five-year term. Depending on their seniority, they may receive bungalows, flats, or hostel rooms.

If they opt not to use official accommodations, they can claim a housing allowance of ₹2,00,000 per month.

Medical care for MPs and their immediate families is covered under the Central Government Health Scheme.

This includes treatment at government hospitals and select private hospitals under the scheme.

Former MPs receive a pension of ₹25,000 per month after serving one term in Parliament. Each additional year of service increases the pension by ₹2,000 per month.

MPs have 1,50,000 free telephone calls annually and receive free high-speed internet connections at their residences and offices. They enjoy free electricity for up to 50,000 units and free water for up to 4,000 kilolitres annually.

MPs’ salaries and perks are substantial, ensuring they can perform their duties effectively while maintaining a comfortable standard of living.

As the 18th Lok Sabha gets underway, these benefits highlight the support provided to India’s lawmakers.

Image Credit: Narendra Mod, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Source: YouTube at 0:28 min

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Inside_Indian_Parliament.jpg