Bhubaneswar: The income gap between Odisha’s elected representatives and the citizens they serve has reached an unprecedented level, with the latest figures revealing a stark disparity in earnings.
According to recent estimates, an Odisha MLA now earns ₹41.4 lakh annually — equivalent to ₹3.45 lakh per month. In contrast, Odisha’s per capita annual income stands at just ₹1.83 lakh for the 2024–25 fiscal year.
This means a legislator in Odisha earns nearly 22 times more than the average Odia. Put differently, an MLA’s 15 days of income equals what a common citizen earns over 12 months.
The steep rise in legislative compensation has reignited discussions around economic inequality, public accountability, and the widening disconnect between policymakers and ordinary households. Critics argue that such a dramatic pay gap highlights a growing imbalance between the living conditions of lawmakers and the everyday struggles of the electorate — especially in a state where unemployment, inflation, and rural distress remain pressing concerns.
Supporters of the pay hike, however, contend that competitive compensation is necessary to attract capable individuals into public life and reduce corruption risks.
As the debate intensifies, the numbers tell a clear story: the representative–represented divide in Odisha has never been more visible.
-OdishaAge
