PORVORIM: The State cabinet on Wednesday approved a hike in the allowances and pension of the Members of Legislative Assembly.The Goa Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of The Legislative Assembly Bill, 2023, is likely to be introduced in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
The hike is expected to put an additional burden of Rs 19 crore on State coffers. Margao MLA Digambar Kamat had demanded the hike during the general discussion on State budget.
As per the proposed hike, allowance on the days when the Assembly session is in progress will be increased from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 while, car loan limit will be increased from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 40 lakh. Loan limit for purchasing a house will be increased from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 45 lakh.
Also, MLA's pension will be increased from Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000 per month while the annual hike has been enhanced from Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000 with a ceiling of Rs two lakh instead of the existing Rs 75,000. Allowance for fuel will be increased from 300 litres to 500 litres. Also MLAs will be allowed seven staff, instead of five.