200 percent salary hike proposed for Delhi lawmakers

NEW DELHI - Taking a cue from the central government, the Congress-led Delhi government has proposed a hike of about 200 percent in the 70 lawmakers’ salary with Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Monday promising to consult the opposition before a decision.

According to government sources, the decision to propose the hike in legislators’ salary was taken by the cabinet Wednesday.

The hike was considered in the backdrop of the lawmakers’ growing expenses, the sources said.

Commenting on the issue, Dikshit said the government was considering the matter and wanted to discuss it further.

“At the same time, we want to discuss it with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party members and a meeting in this regard will take place in 2-3 days,” she added.

The chief minister said “everyone’s view will be taken into consideration before taking a final decision on the matter”, refusing to elaborate on the proposal.

As per government sources, legislators from both the treasury and opposition benches put pressure on the government to consider a hike in their salary, in view of inflation.

If the proposal is accepted, a legislator’s gross monthly salary will increase from Rs.42,000 to Rs.80-90,000, sources said.

The chief minister’s gross monthly salary may increase from Rs.46,000 to Rs.1.25 lakh, sources said.

Besides a basic salary, the legislators get facilities like rent, medical expenses and telephone facility.