CHENNAI: In awarding themselves a hefty hike in salary and perks, the members of the State legislature seem to have missed the crucial factor that is key to the success of all manoeuvres - timing. While the ruling party MLAs are in smug silence and the opposition is taking a high pedestal to denounce (but not reject) the hike, observers and even a section of political leaders point out that the move was ill-timed, coming as it did in the midst of a harrowing drought and resultant farm distress.
“When compared to many other states, an MLA’s salary is less in Tamil Nadu even after the latest increase. But we have to consider the situation prevailing in the State now. Water scarcity is at the worst; people in rural areas are forced to shell out Rs10 for just a pot of water, and farmers are in distress with the Centre and the State government refusing to waive their loans,” pointed out CPI State secretary R Mutharasan.
Even this revised salary of Rs 1.05 lakh would not be sufficient for the MLAs who don’t receive bribes, Mutharasan said. “But when most of the people are in an economically difficult situation, the MLAs hiking their own salary without resolving their problems first is not appropriate. This would only cause disappointment among the people.”
K Kanagaraj, State secretariat member of the CPM, pointed out the amount spent on hike was not a big burden, considering the size of the State budget. “But the situation in which the announcement came shows the insensitivity of the government. Distressed farmers are committing suicide, and the government itself is already facing a huge debt burden,” he said.
Retired civil servant and activist M G Devasahayam agreed that the move at a time like this shows to the people that the government is not conscientious and have no concern for the people.
Suggesting an alternative, former MLA and VCK general secretary D Ravikumar argued in favour of providing the basic facilities for MLAs instead of salary. “There is no need to give salary because MLAs are not employees of a concern but representatives of the people. Instead of the salary, the government should provide them facilities like office and car with staff to manage it. These are vital for MLAs, only then can they function efficiently.”
Explaining the underestimated expenses that an efficient MLA has to deal with, including travelling across the constituency and also to the State capital, Ravikumar said providing facilities was a better option.
“A lower level officer is entitled to a car with driver but not an MLA. A village panchayat president can appoint a clerk and he can sign cheque, but MLAs don’t have any financial powers. Even for the constituency development fund, the MLA can only recommend, that too as per the conditions laid down by the government,” Ravikumar pointed out.