Bhubaneswar, March 13: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveiled a significant increase in remuneration and allowances for key municipal officials across various tiers of governance in the state. This move, in line with the recommendations of the Fifth State Finance Commission and amendments to municipal rules, aims to enhance the welfare of urban representatives.

The revisions entail substantial boosts in monthly earnings for mayors, deputy mayors, chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, corporators, and councilors serving in metropolitan corporations, municipal councils, and notified area councils (NACs). Previously, mayors received a bonus of Rs 8,000, which has now surged to Rs 50,000 monthly. Likewise, deputy mayors will see their remuneration climb from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000 per month. Additionally, municipal council chairpersons' salaries have been elevated from Rs 1,500 to Rs 15,000, with chairmen's remuneration rising from Rs 1,200 to Rs 10,000.

Gratuity amounts have also seen substantial increases, with chairpersons' monthly gratuity rising from Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000 and deputy chairpersons' from Rs 800 to Rs 7,500.

Moreover, metropolitan corporators' meeting allowances have been raised from Rs 7,000 to Rs 2,000 per meeting, while councilors across various municipalities and NACs will now receive Rs 5,000, up from Rs 1,500. Members of the Standing Committee of the Metropolitan Corporation will be entitled to a daily allowance of Rs 2,000 during meetings.

In addition to these enhancements, the Chief Minister introduced ex-gratia assistance for elected urban representatives, providing Rs 2 lakh in case of death, and Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh for total and partial disabilities, respectively. This initiative, with an annual expenditure of Rs 4.76 crore, underscores the government's commitment to the welfare of urban representatives.

The state currently accommodates 1,696 councilors and 244 corporators serving across various municipalities and NACs, benefiting from these revised allowances and assistance programs.

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