Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, August 15, 2025 – In a major decision, the Uttar Pradesh government has increased the salaries and allowances of its MLAs, MLCs, and ministers, marking the first hike in nine years. The announcement came on the final day of the state assembly’s monsoon session, sparking mixed reactions among voters. The new pay structure, effective from April 1, 2025, will add Rs 105.21 crore annually to the state’s expenses, according to Finance Minister Suresh Khanna.
The decision was passed unanimously through the Uttar Pradesh State Legislature by the Comfort Law (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Khanna explained that the last salary revision happened in 2016, and rising costs made the hike necessary. A special committee, formed in March 2025 and led by Khanna, recommended the changes. Members included opposition leader Mata Prasad Pandey and other senior lawmakers, such as Om Prakash Rajbhar and Raghuraj Singh.
Under the new structure, MLAs and MLCs will see their basic monthly salary rise from Rs 25,000 to Rs 35,000, while ministers’ salaries will increase from Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000. This means MLAs will gain an extra Rs 67,750 per month, and ministers will get Rs 77,750 more when allowances are included. Key allowances have also been boosted; constituency allowance is now Rs 75,000 (up from Rs 50,000), daily allowance during assembly sessions is Rs 2,500 (up from Rs 2,000), and medical allowance has jumped from Rs 30,000 to Rs 45,000. Telephone allowance is now Rs 9,000, and secretary allowance is Rs 30,000. Former MLAs will also benefit, with railway coupons increasing from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh annually, and pensions rising from Rs 25,000 to Rs 35,000 monthly. Family pensions for deceased legislators’ kin are now Rs 30,000, up from Rs 25,000.
The hike has stirred debate. Some argue that lawmakers deserve fair pay for their work, especially since costs have risen. “They represent us and need to focus on their duties, not worry about money,” said a shopkeeper in Lucknow. However, others feel the increase is too steep when many citizens struggle with low wages. Posts on X echoed this frustration, with one user noting that MLAs now earn Rs 2.51 lakh monthly, a 42% jump, while many young people search for jobs paying Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000.
The government defends the move, saying it was carefully considered after years without changes. Khanna emphasized that future hikes will be linked to the cost inflation index every five years, ensuring regular updates. As Uttar Pradesh grapples with economic challenges, this decision has put the spotlight on balancing public service and public funds. The public now watches closely to see how lawmakers use their increased resources to serve the state.
