The Tamil Nadu Assembly has recently voted to double the salaries of its legislators.
This has raised a debate on rationalising the salaries of members of legislatures.
What are the issues with the demand?
Tamil Nadu legislators’ demand comes at a time of farmers demanding drought relief package and loan waiver.
Recently, parliamentary representatives also have demanded an increase of their own fiscal compensation by 1,250% over the last two decades.
But the Parliament has seen less than 50% of Bills being scrutinised by parliamentary committees, defeating the very purpose of a deliberative Parliament.
Ideally, remunerations granted should be in proportion to the services that they have rendered to the nation.
The rush to pass Bills has also been inspired by a priority for politics rather than for policy.
What is to be done?
Instead of seeking pay in line with the private sector, India’s public representatives should be paid a reasonable wage, in proportion to their service.
An external independent body should determine that parliamentary salaries are fairly set.
Salary reviews should be conducted through an institutionalised process to ensure that increments are provided through a transparent and accountable process.
The receipts record of parliamentarians should be made public.
Salaries should also be linked to their performance and to a minimum attendance of parliamentary sessions.
