Delhi MLAs Press for Salary Hike and Enhanced Benefits

The Delhi Assembly has established a five-member committee to examine demands for increasing the salaries and benefits for MLAs. Despite a recent salary revision, both AAP and BJP MLAs seek further increments comparable to district officials and other states. The committee's report is expected in two weeks.

The Delhi Assembly has taken steps to address the growing demands from legislators to revise their salaries and benefits. On Wednesday, the assembly formed a five-member committee tasked with examining these demands, a move instigated after BJP and AAP members raised concerns in the House.

This development follows the Centre's recent notification of a significant pay hike for members of Parliament, effective April 2023. The assembly, led by Speaker Vijender Gupta, discussed two key issues: the enhancement of data entry operators' remuneration and aligning MLA honorariums with those of Parliament.

The committee, chaired by BJP chief whip Abhay Verma, includes MLAs Surya Prakash Khatri, Poonam Sharma, Sajeev Jha, and Vishesh Ravi. It is expected to deliver its findings within two weeks, a timeline that could be extended if necessary. The initiative comes after renewed calls for competitive remuneration for Delhi MLAs, following their last salary revision in February 2023.

(With inputs from agencies.)