Argus News - MLAs’ Salary Hike Bill to be Withdrawn! Odisha Assembly Witnesses Shocking Disclosures

Bhubaneswar, Mar 26: The Odisha Assembly witnessed a series of important disclosures and policy updates, ranging from legislators’ salary expectations to pressing concerns over groundwater depletion and disaster management.

The Assembly Secretary issued a notice to withdraw the bill proposing a hike in legislators’ salaries, even as sitting and former MLAs expressed hope for a revision in pay.

Earlier, the Odisha Assembly had approved a sharp hike in legislators’ salaries, raising monthly pay from ₹1.11 lakh to ₹3.45 lakh, among the highest in India. The increase, effective from June 2024, also applies to the chief minister, ministers, speaker, deputy speaker, leader of opposition, and ex‑MLAs’ pensions.

Also Read: Odisha Announces New Three‑Year Excise Policy with Reforms

Four bills passed unanimously include provisions for enhanced allowances, pensions, and a ₹25 lakh assistance to families of sitting MLAs in case of death. The legislation further allows salary and benefit revisions every five years, with one bill enabling hikes through ordinance without requiring fresh Assembly approval.

Alarming Decline in Groundwater Levels

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, in a written reply, highlighted the alarming decline in groundwater levels across the state. Records show a 0.53% mbgl reduction over the past five years.

To counter this, the government has planned construction of 33 dams, 27 barrages, and 89 intra‑river reservoir projects, along with recharge wells and check dams to restore groundwater.

Disaster Toll Pending Aid

On disaster management, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari informed the House that 4,953 lives were lost in Odisha due to natural calamities in the last two years.

However, 467 families are still awaiting compensation due to delays in submission of required documents and pending viscera reports.

Encroached Land

The government also reported progress in freeing encroached land. In the last two years, 1,37,119 acres of government land across 26 districts have been reclaimed, though 74,238 acres remain under encroachment. Strict action is being taken against violators following ministerial directives.

Spelling Correction

Another notable announcement concerned the correction of the English spelling of Aska town to Asika, aligning with its original Odia pronunciation. The government is considering formal approval of this change to ensure consistency in official records.