Bhubaneswar, Dec 3: MLAs across party lines in the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday called for an increase in their salaries and pensions for former legislators, citing rising costs of essential goods and healthcare. They also urged for enhanced health insurance coverage for journalists.

The legislators proposed raising the MLA Development Fund from the current ₹3 crore to ₹5 crore and increasing their monthly salaries to ₹2.5 lakh. They also demanded that the pension for former MLAs be raised to ₹70,000 per month.

BJD leader Pramila Malik emphasized the financial difficulties faced by former legislators due to high market prices and healthcare expenses. “A previous committee recommended these hikes. Odisha ranks 27th nationwide in MLA salaries. If needed, the Speaker should constitute a new committee to implement these revisions,” she said.

Deputy Chief of Opposition Pratap Deb echoed the demand for raising the MLA Development Fund to ₹5 crore. Congress leader Ramachandra Kadam also supported increases in MLA salaries, pensions, and development funds.

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