Parliamentary Committee Reviews Odisha MLA Salaries and Pensions

Bhubaneswar: A Parliamentary Joint Committee on salaries and allowances visited Bhubaneswar to examine the pay, allowances, and pensions of Odisha’s legislators.

The team, led by MP Birendra Prasad Baishya, met Speaker Surama Padhy, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling, Assembly Secretary Satyabrata Rout, and senior officials.

Officials presented a comparative note highlighting how Odisha’s package differs from that of Members of Parliament and legislators in other states.

The committee observed that Odisha’s current structure requires revision.

The visit comes against the backdrop of controversy: earlier, the Odisha Assembly had approved steep hikes in salaries and pensions, but the bills were withdrawn following public backlash.

While no new formula was announced, the committee emphasised the need to re‑examine Odisha’s package in line with national and state benchmarks.

Members of the committee included Bijay Kumar Dubey, Beena Devi, K. Gopinath, Babu Singh Kushwaha, Richard Vanlalhmangaiha, and Parliament Director Bhatshala Joshi.

Further deliberations are expected to balance legislators’ demands with public sentiment.