In a landmark decision, the Punjab Assembly has passed a bill that will see a substantial rise in the salaries of provincial lawmakers, ministers, and other key officials. The approved bill promises to elevate the monthly earnings of various positions, sparking both praise and concern among members.

Major Salary Hike for Provincial Ministers and Officials

The most notable aspect of the bill is the massive increase in the salaries of provincial ministers. These officials will now receive a hefty Rs960,000 per month, a sharp rise from their previous salary of Rs100,000. Similarly, the salary of the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly will jump from Rs125,000 to Rs950,000, marking a significant pay hike for the position.

Other key figures in the assembly are also set to benefit from the changes. The salary of the Deputy Speaker will rise from Rs120,000 to Rs775,000, while the salaries of parliamentary secretaries will increase from Rs83,000 to Rs451,000. Additionally, special assistants and advisers will see their pay rise from Rs100,000 to Rs665,000 per month.

Bill’s Impact and Effectiveness

The bill, which will take effect on January 1, 2025, is designed to address the growing concerns over the low salaries of lawmakers and officials in Punjab. According to the bill’s statement, the last salary increase for these officials was made in 2019, and their current emoluments were considered inadequate given the prevailing economic conditions.

The move has generated significant support among the members of the assembly, many of whom expressed their enthusiasm after the bill was passed. There was an air of celebration in the assembly as officials congratulated each other for securing the salary hikes.

Opposition’s Concerns

While the bill received overwhelming support, it was not without controversy. Opposition Leader Ahmed Khan Bhachar raised concerns about the bill’s alignment with the Parliamentary Rules Act of 1972. He questioned whether the proposed salary increase adhered to existing legal frameworks.

However, Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan defended the bill, stating that it was fully in line with the law. He also praised the government for its efforts to address the financial challenges faced by lawmakers and public servants.

Context Behind the Salary Increases

The salary increases for Punjab’s lawmakers and officials come at a time when the cost of living continues to rise. The bill acknowledges that the salaries of these public servants were insufficient in light of the prevailing economic climate. It also highlights that past salary adjustments had been made through amendments to relevant laws, ensuring that all perks and allowances for officials are properly governed.

Conclusion

The recent salary increase in the Punjab Assembly marks a significant step in addressing the financial concerns of lawmakers and key officials. With the new pay scales set to take effect in 2025, it remains to be seen how the public will respond to the substantial pay hikes. While government members celebrate the increase, the opposition continues to question the legal aspects of the bill. Regardless, this decision is expected to have a lasting impact on the political landscape in Punjab.