Odisha Govt Withdraws MLA Salary Hike Bills Amid Public Outrage

• Odisha government moves to withdraw four bills recommending a three-fold increase in salaries, allowances, and pensions for MLAs, ministers, CM, speaker, and deputy speaker.
• The bills, passed unanimously on December 9, 2025, were awaiting the Governor’s assent.
• The proposed hike would have raised MLA salaries from Rs 1.11 lakh to Rs 3.45 lakh per month and the CM's package from Rs 98,000 to Rs 3.74 lakh.
• Former MLAs' pensions were also set to increase from Rs 30,000 to Rs 80,000 per month.
• The decision to withdraw comes after widespread public outrage and calls from political parties to respect public sentiment.