The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) corporators in Mumbai have begun demanding a significant hike in their honorarium just three months after being elected, citing rising expenses and the growing responsibilities of managing India’s financial capital.
Amreen Abrahani from Byculla has formally written to Mayor Ritu Tawde seeking an increase in the monthly honorarium from the current INR 25,000 to INR 1 lakh.
In her proposal, Abrahani also recommended a INR 25,000 staff allowance, a travel allowance of INR 15,000–INR 20,000 or provision of an official vehicle, along with pension benefits and dedicated office space in each ward.
Corporators argue that their role involves addressing civic issues such as sanitation, water supply, roads, and waste management for a population exceeding 12 million. They also pointed out that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, which has an annual budget of INR 80,952 crore, has the financial capacity to support such a hike.
Abrahani further suggested that corporators’ pay should be comparable to that of MLAs, who earn between INR 1.6 lakh and INR 2.5 lakh per month, including allowances.
However, not all corporators agree with the proposed INR 1 lakh figure. Tulip Miranda has called for a more moderate increase of around 50 percent. She noted that the honorarium was INR 10,000 in 2012 and was revised to INR 25,000 in 2017.
Meanwhile, MNS leader Yashwant Killedar pointed out that many corporators have not yet received their honorarium even three months after being elected. He added that nearly 70 percent of corporators come from middle-class backgrounds and depend on these allowances to continue their public work.
Abrahani has urged the mayor to set up an all-party committee to review the proposal and submit recommendations to the municipal administration.
Also Read: Uddhav Thackeray Slams BJP, Questions Focus On Bengal Campaign Over Mumbai Issues