Narendra Modi has been sworn in as the Prime Minister of India for the third time, and the newly formed cabinet has scheduled its first meeting today. While the mystery regarding the allocation of ministerial portfolios remains under wraps, let’s take a look at the salaries and perks of the new Members of Parliament (MP).
MP Salaries
Following a recent hike in 2018 to align salaries with rising inflation and the cost of living, an MP earns a basic salary of Rs 1 lakh monthly.
Allowances and Perks
Office allowance – The MP’s are entitled to a monthly allowance of Rs 60,000 for their office expenses, including expenses for telecommunication staff salaries, stationery, etc.
Phone allowance – A sum of Rs 1.5 lakh is allotted every year for free telephone calls along with free high-speed internet connections at the residences and offices of the MPs.
Travel allowance – The MPs get 34 free domestic flight tickets every year for themselves and their immediate family members. In addition to that, they receive unlimited first-class train travel as well for both official and personal purposes. The MPs can also claim mileage allowances when travelling by road within their constituencies.
Housing – During their five-year term, the MPs receive rent-free housing and accommodation facilities in prime areas. Notably, seniority levels determine whether they get bungalows, flats, or hostel rooms. For MPs who do not wish to use the official accommodation, a housing allowance of Rs 2 lakh can be claimed on a monthly basis.
Water and Electricity – Free electricity up to 50,000 units and free water up to 4,000 kiloliters per year are provided to the MPs.
Pension – Former MPs receive a pension of Rs 25,000 monthly after serving one term. With every extra year of service, they receive an increment of Rs 2,000 every month.