MP salary - weighing in on the debate

Over the past couple of days the media has been exercised over the "300%" increase in the salaries of MP's. Protesters have objected to quantum of increase (300%), and to the lack of accountability. Many have suggested that performance should be measured by the number of days the MP appears in parliament. In my view, there are several, mixed issues here. First, if we go by the 300% figure - the amounts are pathetic - from Rs16000 per month to Rs50,000 per month. By itself hardly worthy of comment. The protesters immediately shift to the "cost to country" basis claiming that the salary is closer to Rs 57 lakhs. By that token, the earlier salary was already Rs48 lakhs (see linked article). The increase is therefore a very modest 20%. So what is the issue really?

The issue of accountability is a lot more complex. I would argue that the salary that is to be paid is based on the position. The actual performance of the person occupying the position will decide his/her ability to continue - which in the case of the MP's is what the public does every 5 years. The system therefore has an inbuilt accountability for MPs. Attendance in Parliament, while desirable, cannot be the only measure of performance. It is perhaps not even an important measure. Consider that MP's are REQUIRED to vote on the basis of the party whip - and have no voice of their own. Additionally, in most case, the party will decide which member shall speak and on what. Where does this leave the back bencher the ability to reflect his actual view. In such a case, is it not better that the MP spend time in his constituency rather than in Parliament.

Now the case of bureaucrats is more interesting. They have the perks of power, a battalion of junior officers to support them, perks that rival that of MP's, and a salary that is usually higher. Additionally, they have little accountability - being assured of job security. What most citizens are interested in is in good governance - which is largely the preserve of the the executive - largely comprising the bureaucrats. The MPs are supposed to Legislate, not execute - a fact largely overlooked by the public when venting their ire on the MPs.

So - point the hatchet where is belongs - to the incompetent yet ubiquitous "babu" that holds this country hostage, and cut the MPs some slack