Member of Parliament (MP) Salary, Allowances, and Benefits: Complete Guide
Members of Parliament (MPs) play a crucial role in shaping national policies, representing the people, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the government. Their responsibilities extend beyond law-making to include constituency work, participation in debates, and oversight of government activities. Read more about MP Salary and Benefits in India in this blog.
To support them in carrying out their duties effectively, MPs receive salaries, allowances, and various perks. The Indian government has recently revised these benefits, increasing them by 24% from April 1, 2023.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of MP salaries, allowances, and other perks, along with insights into their roles and responsibilities.
Who is a Member of Parliament (MP)?
A Member of Parliament (MP) is an elected or nominated representative of the people in the Parliament of India. The Parliament consists of two houses:
- Lok Sabha (House of the People) – MPs are directly elected by the public.
- Rajya Sabha (Council of States) – MPs are elected by State Legislatures or nominated by the President.
Roles and Responsibilities of an MP
MPs perform a wide range of duties, including:
1. Law-Making
- Propose, debate, and pass laws that govern the country.
- Discuss and amend bills before they become laws.
2. Representation of People
- Raise issues affecting their constituency and demand solutions.
- Voice the concerns of citizens in Parliamentary sessions.
3. Government Oversight
- Question government policies and hold ministers accountable.
- Participate in committees that review national policies.
4. Budget and Financial Oversight
- Discuss and approve the Union Budget.
- Monitor government expenditures and ensure transparency.
5. International Representation
- Represent India in global forums, meetings, and summits.
MP Salary and Allowances: Old vs. New Comparison
The salary and allowances of MPs have been revised in 2023 to ensure better financial support for their duties. Below is a detailed comparison of the old and new benefits:
| Benefit | Old Benefits (Before 2023) | New Benefits (After 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Salary | ₹1,00,000 | ₹1,24,000 |
| Daily Allowance (per day) | ₹2,000 | ₹2,500 |
| Constituency Allowance | ₹70,000 | ₹87,000 |
| Office Expenses Allowance | ₹60,000 | ₹75,000 |
| Pension for Former MPs | ₹25,000 | ₹31,000 |
| Additional Pension (per extra year) | ₹2,000 | ₹2,500 |
Why Were MP Salaries Increased?
The government revised MP salaries to:
- Adjust for inflation and rising costs.
- Ensure MPs have adequate financial resources to serve their constituencies.
- Improve governance by providing better facilities to elected representatives.
Additional Perks and Benefits for MPs
Apart from their salaries, MPs enjoy several privileges and facilities to assist them in their official duties.
1. Free Housing in Central Delhi
MPs are provided government housing, including:
- Hostels (for new MPs)
- Two-bedroom flats (for mid-level MPs)
- Spacious bungalows (for senior MPs)
2. Free Travel Benefits
- 34 free domestic air journeys per year (for MPs and their families).
- Unlimited first-class train travel across India.
- Mileage allowance for road travel when on official duty.
3. Communication Benefits
- Annual ₹1.5 lakh allowance for telephone and internet usage.
- Free mobile services and high-speed broadband connections.
4. Office and Constituency Support
- ₹75,000 per month for running an office.
- Funds for hiring assistants, research staff, and personal secretaries.
5. Furniture and Home Setup Allowance
- ₹1 lakh for durable furniture.
- ₹25,000 for non-durable items (curtains, carpets, etc.).
6. Utility Reimbursements
- MPs do not pay for electricity, water, telephone, and internet bills.
- The government covers maintenance and security costs of their residences.
7. Medical Benefits
MPs and their families get free medical treatment at top government hospitals, including:
- AIIMS, Delhi
- PGIMER, Chandigarh
- Other government medical institutions
8. Security and VIP Privileges
- MPs receive Z or Y category security, depending on their status.
- VIP lounges at airports, railway stations, and public offices.
Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits for MPs salary
Even after retirement, former MPs continue to receive benefits:
- Lifetime Pension: ₹31,000 per month (increased from ₹25,000).
- Additional ₹2,500 per extra year of service.
- Free train travel and medical facilities.
- Access to government guest houses across India.
How Are MP Salaries and Allowances Determined?
MP salaries are not self-decided; instead, they are revised based on recommendations from the government.
- The Finance Ministry and Pay Commission review MP salaries every 5 years.
- A bill is passed in Parliament before any salary hike is approved.
- The increase is based on inflation rates, economic conditions, and administrative expenses.
Criticism and Controversy Around MP Benefits
While MP salaries have increased, many critics argue that:
- MPs enjoy too many benefits while common citizens struggle.
- No strict performance-based evaluation exists for salary hikes.
- Some MPs misuse allowances and perks without delivering results.
Proposed Reforms for Transparency
To improve transparency, experts suggest:
- Linking MP salaries to inflation and economic performance.
- Introducing performance-based incentives for MPs.
- Public disclosure of MP expenses for better accountability.
Conclusion
Members of Parliament (MPs) play a crucial role in governance, and their salaries, allowances, and perks are designed to support their work effectively. The 2023 revision in MP benefits ensures they have adequate resources to serve the public efficiently, therefore read. MP Salary and Benefits in India about it
While these benefits help MPs in their duties, it is also important to hold them accountable for their work and performance. What do you think about MP salaries and perks? Do you think they are justified? Share your views in the comments below!
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