In 2018, the salaries of MPs in the Indian Parliament were reviewed with a foresight plan to evaluate potential raises every five years based on inflation. Following this policy, from April 2023, MPs' salaries were increased by 24%. This now means MPs will receive a monthly salary of 1.24 lakh rupees, rather than the previous one lakh. Additionally, there’s an increment in daily allowances by 500 rupees, allowing MPs to now claim a daily allowance of 2500 rupees.
Increased Pension for Former MPs:
The pensions for former MPs have increased as well, from 25,000 to 31,000 rupees. If a former MP served for more than five years, they receive an additional pension, previously 20,000 rupees annually, now raised to 25,000 rupees per month. MPs also receive a constituency allowance at a rate of 70,000 rupees per month.
Beyond salaries, MPs benefit from an assortment of perks and allowances. Let’s explore these further.
Source: aajtak
Travel Allowance:
According to the official website of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, MPs are eligible for travel allowances whenever they attend a parliamentary session or committee meeting. MPs can travel freely across the country, whether by train, airplane, or road, without incurring costs.
Rail Allowance
MPs receive a non-transferable pass for free travel in first AC or executive class on any train. They can also travel first and second class without any fare, a benefit for MPs traveling by rail.
During rail travels, MPs are permitted to travel in first-class AC or executive class anytime across India using their ID card. The ID is non-transferable, granting permission for one companion to travel in AC-2 class.
Every MP’s partner receives a free, non-transferable railway pass for travel in first-class AC or executive class. If they choose flights, they receive an equivalent amount to their regular station to Delhi airfare for up to eight trips a year.
Additionally, spouses may travel first-class AC or executive class from any location to any destination with the MP. If a spouse is not present, MPs can be accompanied by someone else.
Source: aajtak
Air Allowance
According to sansad.in, MPs may avail free air travel under certain conditions, providing ease of travel across great distances. MPs can undertake up to 34 air trips in a year, with unused trips carried over to the subsequent year.
Road Allowance
MPs get a road travel allowance of 16 rupees per kilometer for journeys within 300 kilometers. This is at the MPs' discretion, allowing them comfort and choice in travel mode. MPs even get allowances for travel to and from airports, acknowledging the distances involved. Both onward and return journeys are considered.
Accommodation
A sub-committee allocates housing for MPs based on set criteria, guaranteeing each MP a license-fee-free flat or hostel during their tenure. Bungalows incur full normal license fees if allocated.
Free Utilities
Annually, MPs residing in Delhi receive 4000 kiloliters of water and 50,000 electrical units free of charge, split between light and power meters. Underspent allowances are transferable to the next year. Excess usage is deductible from the following year’s allocation.
Additional MP perks include allowances for quarterly sofa cover and curtain cleaning, with furniture entitlements up to 75,000 rupees. A 25 percent rent discount is available for repairs or extra services.
Telephone Facilities
MPs can have up to three telephones at government-covered installation costs and no personal billing, one each in their Delhi and constituency residencies. They receive 1,50,000 free annual local calls, extendable across the various telephones. Multiple locations demand MPs settle any additional installation or rental costs.
A mobile connection with national roaming is available for constituency use, aligned with MTNL services. Foreign operators are an option if unavailable locally, with local calls blending into the 50,000 free calls allocation.
Unutilized calls can transfer to future usage, respecting stipulations for MPs’ seat occupancy. Broadband service is optional for a governmental fee of 1,500 rupees per month, fulfilling robust communication needs.
Source: aajtak
Medical Facilities
The Central Government Health Scheme offers MPs and families treatment for a 500 rupees monthly contribution. Dispensaries and primary aid posts are strategically placed, including Parliament complexes, available for urgent care.
Vehicle Purchase Advance
MPs can receive advances of up to 4 lakh rupees, or the vehicle's original price, settled in 60 monthly wage deductions, not exceeding membership duration. This mirrors governmental loan provisions.
Monthly office expenses for MPs tally 60,000 rupees, covering stationery, postage, and secretarial assistant allocations. The permissible aides must display computer literacy.
Benefits for Retired MPs:
Former MPs were entitled to a 20,000-rupee pension until it was increased to 25,000 rupees. Those serving over five years earn an additional 1500 rupees monthly. Holders of multiple governmental roles do not double-dip pensions. Deceased MPs' spouses inherit half-pension entitlements.
Rail Travel for Retired MPs:
They retain rights to first-class AC travel with companions, supported by Ministry-issued authorizations.
Steamers and Medical Benefits
MPs representing island constituencies secure free steamer passages up to the mainland, with transportation goalposts dictated by parliamentary authority agreements. Medical aid persists for retired MPs, reflecting partial community support bows.
