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Naveen Patnaik's Salary Sacrifice: Why He's Donating Rs 3.6 Lakh to Odisha's Poor

Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has decided to forgo his increased salary as Leader of the Opposition. In a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, he asked for the money to be used to help the poor instead. This gesture is inspired by his family's long-standing commitment to public service. The move comes amid debate over a significant pay raise for state legislators.

Key Points: Naveen Patnaik Forgoes Hiked LoP Salary for Odisha Poor Welfare

  • Naveen Patnaik will not accept the recently approved hike in LoP salary and allowances
  • He requested CM Mohan Majhi to use the funds for welfare of the poor
  • The move follows his 2015 decision to donate his ancestral home for public use
  • The salary hike raised MLA pay from Rs 35,000 to Rs 90,000 monthly
2 min read

Naveen Patnaik forgoes hiked LoP salary, asks Odisha govt to use funds for poor

BJD chief Naveen Patnaik declines the increased Rs 3.62 lakh monthly LoP salary, requesting the Odisha government use the funds for poverty alleviation programs.

"I am highly indebted to them and to their love for me and my late father. - Naveen Patnaik"

New Delhi, Dec 13

Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Saturday announced that he would forgo the recently increased salary and allowances attached to the LoP’s post, asking that the amount instead be used for the welfare of the poor.

In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the former Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the people of Odisha for the support he has received over more than two-and-a-half decades in public life.

The former CM said that he remained deeply indebted to the people of the state for their affection and trust, which, he noted, had also been extended to his late father and former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.

“I have been blessed by the love, affection and support of the people of Odisha for more than 25 years. I am highly indebted to them and to their love for me and my late father,” he wrote in the letter.

Referring to an earlier decision taken by his family in 2015 to donate their ancestral property, Anand Bhawan in Cuttack, for public use, Patnaik said his latest move was guided by the same spirit of public service.

He stated that he would not accept the enhanced salary and allowances recently approved for the Leader of the Opposition’s post by the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

Patnaik requested the Chief Minister to ensure that the amount he relinquishes is utilised for programmes aimed at improving the lives of the state’s poor and underprivileged.

The Odisha Assembly recently cleared a substantial hike in salaries and allowances for MLAs, ministers and constitutional post-holders, raising the monthly emoluments of the Leader of Opposition to around Rs 3.62 lakh.

The decision has triggered a political debate, with Patnaik’s move coming amid criticism over the threefold increase in legislators’ pay.

Under the legislation, the monthly basic salary of an MLA has been raised from Rs 35,000 to Rs 90,000. In addition, members will receive a sumptuary allowance of Rs 98,000 per month, compared to Rs 40,000 previously.

Specifically, the Chief Minister’s monthly remuneration will amount to Rs 3.74 lakh, comprising a basic salary of Rs 1 lakh, a sumptuary allowance of Rs 1.83 lakh, and Rs 91,000 for car allowances. Salaries for other office-bearers range between Rs 3.50 lakh and Rs 3.68 lakh per month, depending on the position.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Good gesture, but let's be real. The salary hike itself is outrageous. From 35k to 90k for MLAs? That's a 157% increase! When was the last time a school teacher or a nurse got such a raise? The whole system needs a rethink. Patnaik's move highlights the problem.
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Aman W
Respect. He didn't have to do this. He's already donated his ancestral home. Shows his commitment to public service is genuine, not just lip service. Other politicians, especially the new ones, should take note. This is how you lead by example.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see this from an international perspective. While the gesture is noble, it also points to a systemic issue where such massive salary hikes for legislators are passed while poverty persists. The funds redirected will help, but addressing the root cause of inequality is key.
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Karthik V
It's a smart political move too, let's not forget. Puts the current government in a spot. Now if they accept the money for welfare, it's because of him. If they don't, they look bad. Classic Naveen Patnaik strategy. But if it benefits people, why not? 👍
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Nisha Z
The amount he's giving up is more than what many families in Odisha earn in a year. Puts things into perspective, doesn't it? Hope this starts a conversation about responsible use of public funds and aligning politician salaries with ground realities.

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