Chennai, Jul 19 (Agencies): Tamil Nadu has announced almost 100 percent hike in salary of MLAs of the house. The announcement which is like a jackpot for many, was made by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisamy in the state assembly. MLAs will now get Rs 1.05 lakh per month from Rs 55,000 earlier.
According to reports, the chief minister also announced that MLA Local Area Development Fund would be increased from Rs 2 crore to 2.5 crore.
Ex MLAs also get a raise to Rs 20,000 as opposed to Rs 12,000 earlier.
The new salary retrospectively came into effect from July 1.
After the chief minister's announcement, most MLAs appeared very enthused. But DMK legislators restrained themselves from celebrating.
"Each and every MLA must be happy inside. But due to party restrictions, they may not be able to express their joy," remarked Speaker P Dhanapal.