CM Naveen Hikes Remuneration Of Panchayat Raj Representatives

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has hiked the gratuity and meeting allowances for Panchayat Raj representatives in the state. During various district visits, these representatives interacted with 5T initiatives and Nabin Odisha chairman Mr. Karthik Pandian, submitting requests and proposals for this adjustment. 

Under the new decision, district council presidents will now receive a monthly remuneration of Rs. 30,000, up from Rs. 9,380, and their daily allowance (DA) and sitting fee have been upped from Rs. 300 to Rs. 600. Similarly, the remuneration for District Council Vice-Presidents has surged from Rs. 7,040 to Rs. 20,000, with their DA and sitting fee also increasing to Rs. 600. District council members will now receive Rs. 10,000 monthly remuneration, up from Rs. 3,530, along with an increase in their DA and sitting fee to Rs. 600.

Likewise, Panchayat Samiti chairpersons will see their remuneration rise from Rs. 3,530 to Rs. 15,000, while vice-presidents and members will now receive Rs. 7,500 each, up from Rs. 2,350. Sarpanchs will be entitled to Rs. 10,000 compared to the previous Rs. 2,350, and Naib Sarpanchs will receive Rs. 4,000 instead of Rs. 940. The DA and sitting fee for various Panchayat Samiti positions, including Chairmen, Deputies, Members, Sarpanchs, Naib Sarpanchs, and Ward members, has increased from Rs. 240 to Rs. 480.

Previously, Rs. 79.88 crore was allocated for the remuneration and allowances of Panchayat Raj representatives. With the increase, this figure will now rise to Rs. 242.56 crores, incurring an additional cost of Rs. 162.68 crore for the state government.

Moreover, in the event of a Panchayat Raj representative’s death during their tenure, an ex gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh will be provided. Additionally, Rs. 2 lakh will be given in cases of complete disability, while partial disability will be compensated with Rs. 1 lakh.