Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is preparing to step down from his state leadership role after securing a seat in the Rajya Sabha, prompting questions about how his remuneration and privileges will change with the new position.
Currently, Kumar earns over Rs 2 lakh per month as Chief Minister, a package that includes a government bungalow, luxury vehicles, top-level security, comprehensive medical coverage, and personal administrative support.
As a Member of Parliament, his basic salary will drop to around Rs 1.24–1.25 lakh per month. However, MPs receive a range of allowances that supplement this income, including a daily allowance of Rs 2,500 during parliamentary sessions, Rs 75,000 for office expenses, Rs 50,000 for staff salaries, and Rs 25,000 for stationery.
Travel and accommodation benefits are also substantial. MPs are provided government housing in Delhi, 34 free air journeys per year, first-class rail travel, and access to free healthcare. Electricity and water services are also covered within prescribed limits.
In purely financial terms, the Chief Minister’s post is more lucrative than a Rajya Sabha seat. Nevertheless, membership of the upper house brings its own prestige, influence, and substantial perks.
During the Rajya Sabha elections, he remained in Patna to inspect ongoing development projects. By evening, the results confirmed his election to the Rajya Sabha, marking a shift in his political role from state leadership to national legislative responsibilities.
