Being a Karnataka MLA - Responsibilities , Salary and Facilities from government

A Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) is a representative of the people of a constituency in the state legislature. Karnataka Legislative Assembly has 224 constituencies, each electing one MLA by the first-past-the-post electoral system. The MLAs are elected for a term of five years, unless the assembly is dissolved sooner. The elections are conducted by the Election Commission of India. The party or coalition that has the majority of MLAs forms the government and appoints the Chief Minister and other ministers. The MLAs play an important role in the governance and development of the state. An MLA is expected to uphold the dignity and integrity of the office and work for the welfare of the people and the state

What are the job and powers of MLA in an assembly constituency in Karnataka?
 

The job and powers of an MLA in an assembly constituency in Karnataka are:

• To make laws: The MLAs participate in the law-making process by introducing, debating and voting on bills and amendments in the assembly. They also scrutinize and approve the state budget and other financial matters.
• To hold the government accountable: The MLAs question and criticize the policies and actions of the government and its ministers in the assembly. They also raise issues of public interest and concern through various means such as adjournment motions, calling attention motions, zero hour, question hour, etc. They also participate in various committees that oversee the functioning of different departments and agencies of the government.
• To represent the people: The MLAs act as a link between the people and the government. They voice the grievances, demands and aspirations of their constituents in the assembly and to the government. They also provide various services and assistance to their constituents such as issuing certificates, recommending scholarships, facilitating pensions, etc. They also monitor and facilitate the implementation of various schemes and projects of the government in their constituencies.
• To develop their constituencies: The MLAs allocate funds from various sources such as Local Area Development Fund (LADF), Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF), etc. for various development works in their constituencies such as roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, water supply, sanitation, etc. They also coordinate with various departments and agencies of the government to ensure timely completion and quality of these works.

 

What is the government salary for MLA and ministry post in Karnataka?
 

The government salary for MLA and ministry post in Karnataka are:

• For MLA: The basic salary of an MLA in Karnataka is Rs. 25,000 per month. In addition, they also receive various allowances such as constituency allowance (Rs. 15,000 per month), telephone allowance (Rs. 15,000 per month), daily allowance (Rs. 1,000 per day for attending assembly sessions or committee meetings), travel allowance (Rs. 2 per km for road travel within or outside the state), medical allowance (Rs. 2 lakh per annum), etc. The total monthly salary of an MLA in Karnataka is around Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 70,000 depending on their attendance and travel expenses
• For ministry post: The ministers in Karnataka receive a higher salary than MLAs. The basic salary of a minister is Rs. 30,000 per month. In addition, they also receive various allowances such as constituency allowance (Rs. 25,000 per month), telephone allowance (Rs. 25,000 per month), daily allowance (Rs. 1,500 per day for attending assembly sessions or committee meetings), travel allowance (Rs. 3 per km for road travel within or outside the state), medical allowance (Rs. 3 lakh per annum), etc. The total monthly salary of a minister in Karnataka is around Rs. 90,000 to Rs. 1 lakh depending on their attendance and travel expenses

What are the facilities from Karnataka and central government for an MLA?
 

The facilities from Karnataka and central government for an MLA are:

• From Karnataka government: The MLAs in Karnataka are entitled to various facilities from the state government such as free accommodation in MLA quarters or house rent allowance (Rs. 20,000 per month), free electricity (up to 10,000 units per annum), free water supply (up to 40 kilolitres per month), free telephone calls (up to Rs. 50,000 per annum), free internet connection (up to Rs. 30,000 per annum), free furniture (up to Rs. 2 lakh per term), free vehicle (up to Rs. 20 lakh per term), free petrol (up to 400 litres per month), free driver (up to Rs. 15,000 per month), free security (up to two police constables), free health insurance (up to Rs. 5 lakh per annum), free railway pass (first class AC for self and spouse), free air travel (up to Rs. 2 lakh per annum), pension (Rs. 40,000 per month after retirement or death)
• From central government: The MLAs in Karnataka are also entitled to some facilities from the central government such as free entry to national parks and monuments, free access to central government libraries and museums, free membership of various clubs and associations