The honorarium of MLAs has been increased by Rs 5,000. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said this on Wednesday at the State Assembly.
The government will, however, take necessary steps to ensure that the MLAs and the ministers would get same honorarium package in future.
According to a government source, the process has already been initiated. Presently, the MLAs get Rs 5,000 as honorarium. The total package was Rs 17,900 including other benefits. But after this increase, the total package would be Rs 22,900. The MLAs, however, will get Rs 1000 if they attend standing committee meeting.
It may be mentioned that Mamata Banerjee on February 3 had announced monthly honorarium for the Panchayat functionaries across the state who were till now not paid for their services.
In addition, a hike was announced for other Panchayat functionaries who have been receiving honorarium. Speaking at the Rajya Panchayat Sammelan, the Chief Minster had said that the three-tier Panchayat system in Bengal, the functionaries and district administrations are pillars of her government.