Part V - Parliament • Article

Article 106 Simplified: Salaries and allowances of members

Article 106 says that the MPs themselves get to decide their own salaries and pensions by passing a law in Parliament. This ensures they are paid enough to do their jobs full-time without needing other jobs.

Official Text

Members of either House of Parliament shall be entitled to receive such salaries and allowances as may from time to time be determined by Parliament by law and, until provision in that respect is so made, allowances at such rates and upon such conditions as were immediately before the commencement of this Constitution applicable in the case of members of the Constituent Assembly of the Dominion of India.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

MPs get paid for their full-time job of making laws and representing people. Article 106 says Parliament itself passes a law to fix their own salaries and allowances. This can feel odd — like students setting their own homework marks — but Parliament is accountable to voters who can remove them at election time.

Student Mode

Article 106 deals with the remuneration of MPs: (1) Parliament decides MPs' salaries and allowances by law (currently the Salaries, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954). (2) Until Parliament legislates, the transitional rates from the Constituent Assembly era apply. Note: Unlike judges or the Speaker (whose salaries are charged to the Consolidated Fund), MPs' salaries are typically voted on as part of the budget process. This provision gives Parliament financial self-governance.

Example

For a real constitutional problem about salaries and allowances of members, Article 106 gives the starting rule and connects it to the wider system of Parliament's working rules.

Key Takeaway

MP salaries are decided by Parliament and paid by the public.

FAQs

Who decides MP salaries in India?

Parliament itself, by passing a law. Currently, the salary is governed by the Salaries, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954, as amended.

Is there any public accountability for MPs setting their own pay?

Yes — voters. MPs who hike their own salaries too generously face electoral consequences. Courts have generally upheld Parliament's power to legislate its own salaries under Article 106.

Quiz

Under Article 106, MP salaries are determined by:

Answer: Parliament by law

Until Parliament makes a law under Article 106, MP allowances are governed by rates applicable to:

Answer: Members of the Constituent Assembly of the Dominion of India