For this article:

14 Dec 2025·Source: The Hindu
2 min
Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesNEWS

Patnaik Declines Salary Hike, Urges Funds for Odisha's Poor

UPSC-PrelimsSSC
Patnaik Declines Salary Hike, Urges Funds for Odisha's Poor

Photo by Maher M Raoof

त्वरित संशोधन

1.

Naveen Patnaik will forgo his hiked salary and allowances as Leader of the Opposition.

2.

The Odisha Legislative Assembly passed a bill hiking the salaries of MLAs and Ministers by over 200%.

महत्वपूर्ण संख्याएं

200% - Increase in salaries of MLAs and Ministers in Odisha

दृश्य सामग्री

परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण

1.

Role and responsibilities of the Leader of the Opposition

2.

Financial powers of state legislatures

3.

Ethical considerations in public service

4.

Welfare schemes and poverty alleviation programs

विस्तृत सारांश देखें

सारांश

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will forgo his hiked salary and allowances as Leader of the Opposition, requesting that the funds be used for the welfare of the state's poor. This decision follows the Odisha Legislative Assembly's approval of a bill that increased the salaries of MLAs and Ministers by over 200%.

पृष्ठभूमि

The salaries and allowances of legislators and ministers are determined by the respective state legislatures. These decisions often spark debate regarding the balance between attracting qualified individuals to public service and ensuring responsible use of public funds.

नवीनतम घटनाक्रम

Naveen Patnaik's decision to forgo his salary hike as Leader of the Opposition in Odisha highlights a commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the state's poor. This action follows a significant increase in the salaries of MLAs and Ministers in Odisha.

बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Leader of the Opposition in a State Legislative Assembly: 1. The position is a statutory post recognized in the Constitution of India. 2. The Leader of the Opposition is entitled to the same salary and allowances as a Cabinet Minister. 3. The role of the Leader of the Opposition is to provide constructive criticism of the government's policies and actions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: B

Statement 1 is incorrect as the position is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but is recognized through statutes and parliamentary conventions. Statements 2 and 3 are correct.

2. In the context of the recent salary hike for MLAs and Ministers in Odisha, which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the powers of State Legislatures in India?

  • A.State legislatures have the power to determine the salaries and allowances of their members.
  • B.The Governor's assent is mandatory for any bill passed by the state legislature regarding salary hikes.
  • C.The Union Government has the power to veto any bill passed by a state legislature regarding salary hikes.
  • D.The salaries and allowances are charged on the Consolidated Fund of the State.
उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: C

The Union Government does not have the power to veto bills passed by state legislatures regarding salary hikes. The Governor's assent is required, and the salaries are charged on the Consolidated Fund of the State.

3. Consider the following statements: Statement I: Naveen Patnaik's decision to forgo his salary hike is an example of ethical leadership in public service. Statement II: Such actions can enhance public trust and promote responsible governance. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  • A.Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I
  • B.Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I
  • C.Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
  • D.Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: A

Both statements are correct, and Statement II provides a valid explanation for Statement I. Ethical leadership involves making decisions that prioritize public interest, and such actions can indeed enhance public trust and promote responsible governance.

4. Which of the following committees is/are associated with recommending reforms in the salaries and allowances of Members of Parliament and State Legislatures? 1. Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances 2. Dinesh Goswami Committee 3. Rajinder Sachar Committee Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: A

The Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances is specifically tasked with recommending reforms in the salaries and allowances of Members of Parliament. The Dinesh Goswami Committee dealt with electoral reforms, and the Rajinder Sachar Committee focused on the socio-economic and educational status of Muslims in India.