Feature: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik of Odisha announced a substantial increase in remuneration and allowances for mayors, deputy mayors, chairmen, vice chairmen, corporators, and councilors across the state. This decision, made in accordance with the recommendations of the Fifth State Finance Commission and amendments to municipal rules, reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of elected officials serving in urban areas.
Under the revised structure, mayors of metropolitan corporations will now receive a monthly bonus of Rs 50,000, a significant increase from the previous Rs 8,000. Similarly, the monthly remuneration for deputy mayors has been raised to Rs 20,000 from Rs 5,000. Furthermore, the salary of municipal council chairmen has been elevated from Rs 1,500 to Rs 15,000, while chairmen will now receive Rs 10,000, up from Rs 1,200.
Additionally, the monthly gratuity for both chairmen and deputy chairmen has been substantially increased, with chairmen receiving Rs 10,000 and deputy chairmen receiving Rs 7,500. Metropolitan corporators will now receive Rs 2,000 per meeting, up from Rs 7,000, while allowances for councilors in various municipal councils and NACs have been raised from Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000.
Furthermore, members of the Standing Committee of the Metropolitan Corporation will be entitled to a daily allowance of Rs 2,000 during meetings. In a further demonstration of support, the Chief Minister announced the introduction of ex-gratia assistance for elected representatives of urban areas, with Rs 2 lakh provided in the event of death and Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh for total and partial disability, respectively.
This decision is expected to benefit a total of 1,696 councilors and 244 corporators currently serving in various municipalities and NACs across the state. The annual expenditure for these increased allowances and assistance is estimated at Rs 4.76 crore, reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring the well-being and financial security of urban elected representatives.
