The Secretariat of the Odisha Legislative Assembly has officially informed members about the withdrawal of contentious amendment bills that proposed a threefold increase in salaries and allowances for legislators and ministers. Secretary Satyabrata Rout conveyed that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling has initiated the process to retract the amendments that had caused widespread dissatisfaction in the state. The bills set to be withdrawn include the Odisha Legislative Assembly Members’ Salary, Allowances and Pension (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker’s Salary and Allowances (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Odisha Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker’s Salary and Allowances (Amendment) Bill, 2025; and the Odisha Ministers’ Salaries and Allowances (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The legislation, passed in December 2025, triggered public debate over the significant salary increase for Odisha ministers and MLAs by nearly threefold, effective from June 5, 2024. The proposed hike drew attention statewide due to the unprecedented magnitude of the raise. Notably, the Chief Minister’s monthly remuneration was expected to surge from Rs 98,000 to approximately Rs 3.74 lakh, while legislators’ pay was projected to rise from about Rs 1 lakh to nearly Rs 3.45 lakh.
Following the revision in salaries and pensions, Odisha’s MLAs became among the highest-paid legislators in the country, sparking a substantial public discourse and facing criticism from various sections of society. The move led to questions regarding the timing and necessity of the salary increment, with citizens from diverse backgrounds expressing concerns over the decision.
A few days after the bills’ passage, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced in a letter to CM Mohan Charan Majhi his decision to forego the increased salary and allowances designated for the Leader of Opposition. This action garnered significant attention in the state’s political landscape. Subsequently, legislators from both the ruling BJP and the main opposition BJD appealed to CM Majhi to reconsider the government’s choice to raise the salaries and allowances of MLAs, ministers, the Chief Minister, the Speaker, and other constitutional office-bearers. These appeals reflected widespread concerns and sparked discussions across political and public platforms.
