India’s elected representatives, particularly Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), shoulder immense responsibility. Their role in governance and policymaking is crucial, yet the compensation they receive varies widely across India’s states and union territories. Among these, Delhi stands out. Despite being the national capital and home to over 20 million people, its MLAs earn only Rs 90,000 per month—a figure that pales in comparison to their peers in Telangana and Maharashtra, where the monthly pay stands at Rs 2.5 lakh. This disparity raises important questions about fairness, representation, and the overall quality of governance in the capital.
Central control limits salary decisions
Delhi’s administrative structure adds another layer of complexity. As a Union Territory with a Legislative Assembly, Delhi does not enjoy the autonomy to decide its own MLA salaries. That authority rests solely with the central government. This has resulted in lower pay for Delhi’s lawmakers, despite their increasing responsibilities. Even after a 2021 revision raised their monthly compensation from Rs 54,000 to Rs 90,000, the figure remains modest. In comparison, Telangana and Maharashtra pay Rs 2.5 lakh, while Tamil Nadu pays Rs 1.5 lakh per month.
High population, high pressure, low benefits
The demands placed on Delhi MLAs are uniquely intense. Representing one of the most densely populated urban spaces in the world—with over 11,000 residents per square km—they manage constituencies that are both demographically large and administratively complex. The governance structure in Delhi, which requires MLAs to coordinate with both the elected government and the Lieutenant Governor, often leads to bureaucratic delays and power struggles. Public expectations are high, and constituents routinely demand swift improvements in infrastructure, services, and responsiveness.
The financial challenges faced by Delhi MLAs are further compounded by a lack of housing support. Many of them maintain two residences—one within their constituency and another closer to the city centre—yet they receive no housing allowance. In contrast, their counterparts in Maharashtra and Gujarat receive Rs 60,000 and Rs 40,000 respectively as housing support.
Breakdown of pay and allowances
A closer look at the salary structure underscores this disparity. Delhi MLAs receive a basic salary of Rs 30,000, which adds up to Rs 90,000 when allowances are included. This includes a constituency allowance of Rs 25,000 and an office expense cap of Rs 30,000. In stark contrast, Telangana MLAs earn the same Rs 20,000 as a basic salary but draw total compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh, thanks to a much higher constituency allowance of Rs 2.3 lakh. Maharashtra MLAs have a basic salary of Rs 1.82 lakh and total monthly compensation of Rs 2.52 lakh. Tamil Nadu’s government bears the entire cost of MLA office expenses, a support Delhi MLAs lack.
Pension benefits are similarly unequal. Delhi offers Rs 15,000 per month for the first term, and an additional Rs 1,000 for each successive year beyond the first. In Telangana, former MLAs receive Rs 50,000 per month for the first term or part of it, with Rs 2,000 added for each subsequent year. However, the maximum pension cannot exceed Rs 70,000. The difference is striking—and telling.
“No housing, no revisions—just rising expectations”
“Delhi is not just any city—it’s the national capital, and living here comes with a far higher cost than in most other parts of the country,” Dr Ramshwar Dayal, senior journalist and political analyst, told Patriot.
“Our MLAs don’t even get proper accommodation or official flats like their counterparts in some states. Since 2023, there has been no revision in their salaries, and the situation has become increasingly difficult. There should be a well-defined and transparent criteria for revising MLA salaries—one that is fair, consistent, and above all, insulated from political backlash. This way, they won’t have to face constant criticism or allegations of self-interest every time their compensation is adjusted.
If we want good governance, we must ensure our representatives are compensated in a way that reflects both their responsibilities and the realities of life in a city like Delhi,” Dayal added.
The democratic cost of underpaying MLAs
The effects of underpaying elected representatives are tangible. Talented professionals often shy away from joining politics in Delhi due to poor pay and limited benefits, resulting in a diminished talent pool. Inadequate compensation can reduce the independence of MLAs, forcing them to rely heavily on bureaucratic machinery and thereby undermining accountability. Moreover, financial insecurity may increase the risk of unethical practices. A 2017 report by the Association for Democratic Reforms revealed that 43% of Delhi MLAs faced criminal charges—far above the national average of 29%. Public trust also suffers. According to a 2023 Lokniti-CSDS survey, 68% of Delhi residents believe their MLAs are underpaid, reflecting a worrying deficit in confidence in democratic institutions.
Lawmakers in global cities earn far more
The global picture provides further context. In cities with similarly complex governance challenges, lawmakers are compensated generously. New York City Council members, for instance, earn $148,500 annually—approximately Rs 92 lakh. California’s state legislators earn $122,694 (Rs 76 lakh), and in the United Kingdom, London Assembly members receive £58,543 ( Rs 61 lakh), while Members of Parliament are paid £86,584 (Rs 90 lakh). These figures reflect the need to pay legislators in global cities commensurate with the scope of their responsibilities.
Why Delhi deserves better
There is a strong case to revise Delhi’s MLA compensation. The workload of its legislators is comparable to, or in some cases greater than, those in full-fledged states. The cost of living is similar to cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad, and fair pay could attract a stronger cadre of public servants. Delhi also contributes significantly to the national tax pool, yet receives limited administrative reinvestment.
Also Read: How land-owning Jat community is negotiating a changing city
Some may argue that being a Union Territory, Delhi should have lower legislative pay. Yet, Puducherry—also a Union Territory—pays its MLAs Rs 1.9 lakh per month. Others believe public sentiment opposes pay hikes, but surveys indicate widespread support for better MLA compensation. The notion that Delhi MLAs already receive enough also crumbles when its global profile and urban governance demands are taken into account.
What a reform agenda could look like
Reforming MLA compensation in Delhi requires a structured plan. Salaries should be aligned with the average of large states, falling in the Rs 2 to Rs 2.5 lakh per month range. Housing and healthcare allowances must be introduced, with Rs 50,000 earmarked for accommodation. Performance-based incentives could be added, linking 20% of pay to measurable achievements in constituency development and service delivery. Crucially, Delhi should be granted the autonomy to set its own MLA salaries through amendments to the GNCTD Act, allowing decisions to be based on ground realities and local requirements.
A democratic imperative
In the end, underpaying Delhi’s legislators is not simply a budgetary oversight—it is a democratic failing. As the capital of India and one of the world’s largest urban centres, Delhi demands a capable and motivated legislative force. Fair and realistic compensation is essential not only to attract the best talent but also to ensure effective and accountable governance. Paying MLAs adequately is not an indulgence—it is a safeguard for democratic integrity. An investment in Delhi’s lawmakers is an investment in the strength of India’s institutions and the future of its democracy.
