MLAs receive a windfall

Salary, allowances hiked nearly two-fold

The monthly salary and other allowances paid to every Member of the Legislative Assembly in Tamil Nadu would be increased from the existing ₹55,000 to ₹1.05 lakh, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami announced in the State Legislative Assembly on Wednesday. The salaries were last raised by ₹5,000 in 2011.

Likewise, the funds for Member of Legislative Assembly Constituency Development Scheme (MLACDS) for each legislator would be increased from the existing ₹2 crore to ₹2.50 crore annually.

However, when Mr. Palaniswami announced that the funds for MLACDS had been increased to ₹2.5 crore annually, many DMK MLAs were seen showing three fingers, apparently seeking more.The monthly pension for former MLAs and MLCs would be increased from the existing ₹12,000 to ₹20,000, and consequently, the family pension would go up to ₹10,000. “In view of their age, the annual medical allowance given to them would be increased from ₹12,000 to ₹25,000,” the Chief Minister said, adding that the increased pay and pension would come into force from July 1, 2017.

The daily allowance paid to Assembly marshals would also be increased. While the allowance has been increased from ₹55 to ₹110 for assistant inspectors, it has been increased from ₹50 to ₹100 for head constables and constables, the CM added.

Display of govt. emblem

DMK Deputy Floor Leader Duraimurugan urged the Chief Minister to allow the display of the State government emblem in the vehicles of the legislators to facilitate smooth passing of their vehicles through toll plazas.

Almost all MLAs, including those from the ruling AIADMK thumped their desks in approval when Mr. Duraimurugan made this request, contending that even elected representatives of local bodies were using the emblem but not the MLAs.