Lok Sabha Elections 2024 | A look into inside world of MPs – Salary, perks, benefits, allowance , other deets
Lok Sabha Elections 2024 | The BJP’s victory tally in the latest Lok Sabha elections was significantly lower than its previous counts, falling short of the 303 seats it won in 2019 and the 282 seats in 2014. In contrast, the Congress party saw substantial growth, winning 99 seats compared to 52 in 2019 and 44 in 2014. The INDIA bloc surpassed the 230-seat mark, challenging predictions from exit polls.
Despite the BJP falling 32 seats short of the 272-seat majority mark, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has secured a third term with the support of coalition partners, including Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP.
Apart from the political landscape, every citizen is also curious about the financial aspects associated with being an elected representative.
One of the primary questions that often arise is about the salary of an MP, but however apart from their salary, MPs are entitled to various allowances, including constituency allowance, office expenses allowance, and daily allowance for attending Parliament sessions.
MPs – Salaries
A Member of Parliament (MP) receives a monthly basic salary of ₹1,00,000. This amount was determined following a salary increase in 2018, intended to match their salaries with inflation rates and the increasing cost of living.
MPs : Air travel facility
A Member is entitled to avail himself of 34 single air journeys during a year with his/her spouse or any number of companions or relatives. The spouse/companion can travel alone eight times in a year to meet the member. Any journey performed by the spouse, companions or relatives shall be added in computing the ceiling of 34 air journeys.
MPs : Accommodation
During their five-year term, Members of Parliament (MPs) are provided with rent-free accommodations in prime areas. Depending on their seniority, MPs may be allocated bungalows, flats, or hostel rooms. Alternatively, MPs who opt not to utilise the official accommodation are eligible to claim a housing allowance of ₹2,00,000 per month.
MPs – Medical facilities
Under the Central Government Health Scheme as extended to members, a member and his/her family are entitled to free medical treatment on a monthly contribution of Rs. 500.
MPs : Phone and Internet
Members of Parliament (MPs) are granted up to 1,50,000 complimentary telephone calls per year. Additionally, they are entitled to free high-speed internet connections at both their residences and offices.
MPs : Water and Electricity
MPs receive complimentary electricity for up to 50,000 units and free water for up to 4,000 kilolitres annually.
MPs : Pensionary Benefits
Every person who has served as a member of the Provisional Parliament or either House of Parliament for any period is entitled to pension @ Rs. 20,000/- per month with effect from 18.05.2009. Where any person has served the Parliament for a period exceeding five years, he/she shall be entitled for an additional pension @ Rs. 1,500/- per month for every year in excess of five years. For the purpose of calculation of years for determination of additional pension, the period of nine months or more is rounded off to one complete year.