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Have you ever wondered what the words ‘kissa kursi ka’ mean in the realm of India’s parliamentary landscape? Members of Parliament (MPs), the custodians of the world’s largest democracy, revel in a plethora of privileges, from substantial salaries to opulent perks, including lavish accommodations and post-retirement benefits.

Gujarat is in the middle of one such hullabaloo where a powerful minister despite a huge uproar will ‘not give up his seat’.  

But what drives the aspiration for political power, for the title of MP, or ‘public servant’? Perhaps it’s the allure of substantial remuneration coupled with what seems like ‘bare minimum’ expectations.

Salaries of MPs

At the outset, the monthly salary of MPs in India is ₹1,00,000. Additionally, MPs receive a per diem allowance of ₹2,000 for each day for being present during sessions or committee meetings. Most importantly, they do not have to pay income tax on this amount!

To facilitate their work, MPs are granted an office expense allowance of ₹60,000 per month for stationery, postage, and secretarial aid.

Moreover, every MP is entitled to receive a monthly constituency allowance of ₹70,000.

Travelling allowance

The MPs enjoy a range of travel benefits including free rail travel across India, access to first-class AC or executive class trains with an identity card, and even spouse railway passes for first-class travel.

Special provisions are made for MPs from Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep with steamer passes for travel. 

If an MP wishes to travel by road, they are charged at ₹16 per kilometre, with a minimum of ₹120 for journeys to/from an aerodrome in Delhi.

34 single air journeys allowed per member in a year, which can be used alone, with spouse, companions, or relatives. The member may also avail these air journeys between the date of declaration of results and the date of notification issued by the Election Commission for constitution of Lok Sabha. 

Moreover, MPs are also entitled to specific travelling allowances for journeys from their usual place of residence to attend sessions, committee sittings, or other parliamentary duties.

Pension?

Former MPs ‘who have served for any period’ receive a pension of ₹25,000 per month, supplemented by additional amounts based on years of service, while their spouses or dependents are entitled to 50% of the pension as family pension in case of death.

This means, an MP who has been on the job even for a day, is eligible for the pension.

Canteen perks

The canteen within the premises of Parliament in New Delhi, serves as a dining facility primarily for MPs, staff, and visitors offering a variety of dishes at subsidised rates. The price of roomali roti at the canteen costs as low as ₹3, and veg meal is available at only ₹100, while delicacies like masala dosa, kheer, paneer kadhai costs between ₹30-60.

Medical facilities

MPs and their eligible family members, including spouse, children, step-children, and dependent parents residing with the member, are entitled to benefits under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).

These benefits include medical facilities provided by CGHS for up to a month after a member ceases to hold office. The ministry of health issues special identity cards to MPs and their eligible family members, indicating their entitlement to CGHS benefits.

Bunglows in Delhi

Accommodation privileges for MPs, include rent-free flats or hostels for the duration of their term. They may also opt for a bungalow at prime locations in New Delhi including Humayun Road, Lodhi Estate, South Avenue, for which they would pay the standard licence fee, if eligible. Electricity and water supply arrangements are managed by MPs directly through the New Delhi Municipal Council. 

With all the perks combined, according to a media report, the Indian government spends an average of ₹2.7 lakh per month on each MP, which amounts to ₹32.4 lakh annually, on one MP!