Is Doing Nothing the Best Job? The Curious Case of Indian MLAs & MPs

Imagine a job where you get paid a handsome salary, enjoy free luxury travel, live in government-provided bungalows, receive top-tier medical treatment, and even get a pension after retirement—all while having no fixed working hours and little accountability. Sounds too good to be true? Well, welcome to the life of many Indian Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs).

A Dream Job?

In India, MPs and MLAs are meant to be public servants, elected to represent the people and bring about meaningful change. But over the years, the role has evolved into something quite different. Today, many politicians enjoy immense privileges while doing little to justify them. Here’s a closer look at what makes this job so unique:

1. Lavish Salaries & Perks

   • MPs receive a basic salary of ₹1,00,000 per month, plus additional allowances that take their earnings much higher. MLAs in states like Telangana and Delhi make similarly large sums.
   • They also get free office expenses, constituency allowances, and secretarial staff, all funded by taxpayers.

2. Travel in Style

   • MPs enjoy 34 free business-class air tickets annually, along with unlimited first-class AC train travel.
   • MLAs, too, receive state-sponsored travel benefits, allowing them to roam freely while the common man struggles with rising fuel prices.

3. Zero Accountability, Lifetime Benefits

   • Even after serving just one term, MPs and MLAs are entitled to a lifetime pension.
   • Some don’t even attend sessions regularly but still draw full salaries and allowances.

4. Personal Gains Over Public Service

   • On top of these perks, many politicians amass massive wealth, invest in real estate, and secure luxurious assets.
   • Their children receive the best education, often abroad, funded by their unchecked earnings.
   • The only time they seem to work is just before elections, going door-to-door begging for votes, blaming opponent parties, and playing divisive politics to manipulate the masses.

The Cost of Doing Nothing

With all these benefits, the expectations from our elected representatives should be high. Yet, many MLAs and MPs barely contribute to law-making, rarely engage with their constituencies, and sometimes even disrupt legislative sessions instead of working constructively. While some politicians genuinely work for the people, a large number seem to have found a golden opportunity to do nothing while enjoying the best possible job perks.

A Job Like No Other

For millions of young Indians struggling to find employment, the idea of being an MLA or MP might seem like the ultimate dream. No corporate job offers such high salaries, unlimited perks, and lifelong security without clear performance metrics. Yet, this raises a crucial question:

Shouldn’t the best job in the country also come with the highest level of responsibility?