India's 2024 Lok Sabha elections concluded with the National Democratic Alliance securing 293 seats and INDIA obtaining 232 seats.
The BJP-led NDA has established the government for a third term, having comfortably surpassed the 272-seat halfway mark in the 543-seat Parliament. Now, the focus shifts to the newly elected MPs in the 18th Lok Sabha.
While some individuals may not closely follow elections, they contribute to the salaries and benefits enjoyed by Members of Parliament during and after their time in office. Ultimately, it is the taxpayers' funds that support their financial obligations.
Salary
A large majority of Members of Parliament may not actually require salaries as they are millionaires. After all, 93 per cent of the recently elected MPs are millionaires—a rise from 88 per cent in 2019.
MPs receive Rs 1,00,000 per month as their basic pay.
The MPs were last given a salary increase in 2018 when their salaries were adjusted to account for inflation and the cost of living.
However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the MPs took a 30 per cent reduction in pay.
Allowance and perks
MPs also get a constituency allowance of Rs 70,000 in addition to their salaries. This allowance is meant to cover office expenses and enable them to meet with constituents in their home constituency.
They also receive an additional Rs 60,000 for office expenses, which cover costs such as stationery, phones, and staff salaries.
MPs are allocated an extra Rs 2,000 as daily expenses specifically for attending parliamentary sessions and committee meetings in the National Capital.
Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers
The prime minister and cabinet ministers get extra allowances to entertain visitors.
The PM gets Rs 3,000 per month, cabinet ministers get Rs 2,000 per month, while ministers of state get Rs 1,000 per month.
Travel allowance
Members of Parliament are also provided with a travel allowance for their attendance at Parliament and other official responsibilities.
Additionally, they are given a complimentary season pass for first-class AC trains.
Moreover, they are entitled to 34 free domestic air journeys annually for themselves and their immediate families.
MPs also get reimbursed at a rate of Rs 16 per kilometre if they opt to travel by road.
Accommodation
Each Member of Parliament is provided with a residence to stay in during their term. If they opt for a bungalow, they are required to pay a nominal license fee. Alternatively, if they choose their own accommodation, they can claim up to Rs 2,00,000 to cover the rent.
MPs receive complimentary electricity up to 50,000 units per year.
Additionally, MPs are entitled to free water up to 4,000 kiloliters per year.
MPs also receive free telephones for use at their homes and offices in Delhi and their respective states. The first 50,000 local calls are provided free of charge.
MPs and their families are eligible for free medical care after a monthly payment of Rs 500.
As per an RTI reply in May 2023, India allocated approximately Rs 200 crore for salaries, allowances, and facilities for Rajya Sabha MPs over the previous two years.
Approximately Rs 63 crore was allocated solely for their travel expenses.
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