In the appraisal season, the Karnataka government has recalibrated its stakes, resulting not in a mere 10 or 20 percent increment, but a full 100 percent raise. In a state lamenting the lack of funds for development, the Chief Minister, Speaker, Ministers, and Legislators have seen their salaries doubled.
To justify this increase, Home Minister G. Parameshwara cited rising inflation. According to him, "Everyone's expenses, including our lawmakers, are increasing. The common man is struggling, just as our legislators are. This decision stems from their requests. Ultimately, expenses need to be managed, and the Chief Minister will ensure this funding is secured from somewhere."
Remarkably, this 100% salary surge surfaces as the state maintains the narrative of funding insufficiencies for developmental projects.
Karnataka’s Legislators: The Wealthiest in India
Furthermore, a non-governmental study reveals Karnataka legislators as the richest in the nation. The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reports that each of Karnataka’s 100 legislators possesses assets exceeding ₹100 crore. Thus, highlighting Karnataka as home to the country's wealthiest legislators.
Among India's top ten wealthiest legislators, four hail from Karnataka.
Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar ranks as India's second-richest legislator with assets totalling ₹1,413 crore, following BJP's Parag Shah from Ghatkopar East, Maharashtra.
The report further reveals a concentrated wealth, with 76 (63 percent) of India's 119 billionaire legislators belonging to Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
Wealthy Legislators, Impoverished Government
A paradox unfolds as Karnataka, with its affluent representatives, consistently raises the issue of insufficient funds for governmental development.
Only months ago, Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar remarked on the financial constraints hindering development, citing the allocation of ₹40,000 crore to fulfil five electoral promises, leaving scant resources for other initiatives.
D. K. Shivakumar noted these concerns when Congress legislators expressed frustrations over unmet financial support for their regions' development.
Source: aajtak
In December 2023, Karnataka's government announced the possibility of increasing loan borrowings due to insufficient development funds arising from guarantee schemes.
During the 2023-24 budget, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah projected ₹85,818 crore in borrowings and indicated potential prioritisation delays for development projects.
Legislative Effort for Salary Increases
Karnataka’s government introduced two bills to facilitate salary raises for its administration: the Karnataka Ministers Salaries and Allowance (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Karnataka Legislators' Members Salaries, Pensions, and Allowance (Amendment) Bill 2025. Both aligned soundly with the legislative assembly.
The passing of this bill elevates legislator and council member salaries from ₹40,000 to ₹80,000.
Minister salaries have increased from ₹60,000 to ₹125,000, and the Chief Minister's from ₹75,000 to ₹150,000. Notably, these figures reflect base salaries, with additional allowances considered.
Karnataka’s state minister, M. B. Patil, has also endorsed the increase, asserting recommendations from an independent committee as its rationale. Patil stated, "There’s nothing amiss about increasing legislator salaries and allowances; an independent recommendation validates it."
M. B. Patil emphasized that globally, prime ministers, ministers, and MPs command significant salaries, endowing them with independence, rather than corruption. Comparisons to Singapore aside, providing fair wages remains appropriate."
Notably, even the BJP didn’t oppose this salary hike, which will cost the state government an additional annual burden of ₹10 crore.
