Additional Staff for Elected Representatives Amid Financial Crisis; Benefits Also Increased

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has decided in principle to allow an additional staff member for MLAs and MPs in the state. Each elected representative will be permitted to appoint one more personal assistant. The government will also appoint AI and IT consultants in ministers’ offices. The decision comes at a time when the state continues to face an electricity crisis and mounting borrowing.

The government has directed the Tourism, General Administration, and Parliamentary Affairs departments to submit recommendations on the matter within 15 days. It has also decided to increase the mileage allowance for drivers working in ministers’ offices. The monthly allowance, currently Rs 2,500, will be raised to Rs 5,000.

Some Congress MLAs and the Speaker had demanded that the number of staff members allotted to MLAs be increased from two to three.

Meanwhile, the salaries and other benefits of MLAs and ministers had already been increased. MLAs were previously entitled to basic monthly benefits of Rs 70,000. Following the enhancement of allowances, the amount rose to Rs 98,000.

The benefits of ministers, who currently receive more than Rs 1 lakh a month, including dearness allowance, have also increased under the latest revision. With the passage of the proposed Bill, ministers’ monthly income was raised to Rs 1.22 lakh.