Odisha MLAs' monthly salary trebled to Rs 3.45 lakh, among highest

• Odisha Assembly increased monthly salaries of its members more than threefold, from Rs 1.11 lakh to Rs 3.45 lakh.
• The enhanced salaries, effective from June 2024, also apply to the Chief Minister, ministers, Speaker, and ex-MLAs' pensions.
• New provisions include Rs 25 lakh assistance for deceased sitting MLAs and automatic pay/pension hikes every five years via ordinance.
• The four bills effecting the increase were unanimously passed by the Assembly.

Why It Matters: This affects public finances and legislative compensation standards.