Across India, the monthly salaries of Chief Ministers vary significantly from one state to another. For instance, the Chief Minister of Telangana receives the highest basic salary, amounting to Rs. 4 Lakhs per month. Following closely, the Delhi CM’s basic salary stands at Rs. 3.9 Lakhs monthly. Other notable earners include the Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, who draw basic salaries of Rs. 3.65 Lakhs, 3.40 Lakhs, and 3.35 Lakhs per month, respectively. Conversely, the Chief Minister of Tripura is noted as the lowest-paid, with a basic salary of Rs. 105,000 Lakh per month. It is important to acknowledge that these figures reflect historical data as of 2019. Actual and updated salaries are subject to change as they are periodically revised by their respective state legislatures. This article will also delve into the actual salaries for Chief Ministers in India as of May 2025.
Chief Minister Salary Per Month in India by State
The emoluments for Chief Ministers and other ministers in India are determined by the State Legislatures, as stipulated by Article 164 of the Indian Constitution. Should a legislature not have explicitly set a salary, the amount defaults to what is outlined in the second schedule. This legislative autonomy leads to notable disparities in the remuneration received by Chief Ministers across different states. The following table illustrates the monthly salaries of Chief Ministers in various Indian States and Union Territories.
| State / Union Territory | Net Monthly Salary (₹) |
|---|---|
| Telangana | ₹4,00,000 |
| Delhi | ₹3,90,000 |
| Uttar Pradesh | ₹3,65,000 |
| Maharashtra | ₹3,40,000 |
| Andhra Pradesh | ₹3,35,000 |
| Gujarat | ₹3,21,000 |
| Himachal Pradesh | ₹3,10,000 |
| Haryana | ₹2,88,000 |
| Tamil Nadu | ₹2,85,000 |
| Jharkhand | ₹2,72,000 |
| Madhya Pradesh | ₹2,55,000 |
| Chhattisgarh | ₹2,30,000 |
| Punjab | ₹2,30,000 |
| Goa | ₹2,20,000 |
| Bihar | ₹2,15,000 |
| West Bengal | ₹2,10,000 |
| Karnataka | ₹2,00,000 |
| Sikkim | ₹1,90,000 |
| Kerala | ₹1,85,000 |
| Rajasthan | ₹1,75,000 |
| Uttarakhand | ₹1,75,000 |
| Assam | ₹1,60,000 |
| Odisha | ₹1,60,000 |
| Meghalaya | ₹1,50,000 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | ₹1,33,000 |
| Manipur | ₹1,20,000 |
| Mizoram | ₹1,20,000 |
| Puducherry | ₹1,20,000 |
| Nagaland | ₹1,10,000 |
| Tripura | ₹1,05,000 |
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Note:The salaries presented in the table above reflect data from 2019. While these figures hold historical significance, it is possible for slight variations to exist in the current actual remuneration received by Chief Ministers in each state. These numbers represent the total monthly salary, encompassing all benefits and allowances. In many instances, this total also accounts for the earnings corresponding to their roles as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) or Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs), where applicable.
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Who is a Chief Minister?
In India, the Chief Minister serves as the elected head of government for each of the 28 states and certain Union Territories. Currently, among the Union Territories, only Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry have active Chief Ministers. While the Constitution designates the Governor as the ceremonial head of the state, the effective executive authority rests with the Chief Minister. Following state assembly elections, the Governor extends an invitation to the party or coalition that secures the majority of seats to form the government. Subsequently, the Governor formally appoints and administers the oath of office to the Chief Minister, who then collaborates with their ministerial team. Adhering to principles akin to those found in the UK, a Chief Minister can hold office for a term of up to five years, provided they maintain the confidence of the assembly, with no restriction on the number of terms they may be elected to. The Chief Minister presides over the State’s Council of Ministers and may be assisted by a Deputy Chief Minister. Furthermore, the Chief Minister typically selects the Chief Secretary and is responsible for allocating departments among the other state ministers. They also possess the authority to issue directives to the Chief Secretary concerning significant administrative matters such as the transfers, suspensions, or promotions of state officers.
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Salary Structure of a Chief Minister in India
The overall remuneration of a Chief Minister comprises several distinct components, reflecting the various aspects of their role and responsibilities. These typically include a basic salary along with a range of allowances and perks.
| Particulars | Details | Approx. Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay | This is the fixed salary component enjoyed for being on the CM position | ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| Constituency Allowance | For cost related to managing connection with the constituency | ₹40,000 – ₹75,000 |
| Sumptuary Allowance | This is given for official entertainment and hospitality | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 |
| Office Expenses Allowance | It covers stationary, staff, and related expenses | ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Residence Allowance / Rent-Free Housing | CM is given an official bungalow or housing | ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000* |
| Travel Allowance / Conveyance | For official travel and personal transport (often includes vehicle + driver) | ₹20,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Medical Allowance | Reimbursement or fixed allowance for healthcare | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Telephone / Communication Allowance | For mobile, internet, and landline usage | ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Other Perks & Emoluments | Includes security, utilities (electricity/water), personal staff, etc. | ₹10,000 – ₹50,000 |
Note:The figures presented in the table above are approximate and are intended to provide a general understanding of the various components that constitute a Chief Minister’s salary in India. The actual remuneration for Chief Ministers can vary significantly across states. For the majority of Chief Ministers, the total monthly salary, encompassing both net pay and perks, typically ranges from Rs. 1,50,000 to Rs. 4,00,000 Per Month.
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Other Benefits that Chief Ministers Enjoy
The benefits presented below is common to all the Chief Ministers of all States in India.
Understanding Net and Gross Salary of CMs
Distinguishing between net and gross salary primarily revolves around the concept of deductions. Gross salary represents the comprehensive earnings of a Chief Minister prior to any reductions. This encompasses their basic pay along with all various allowances, such as those designated for their constituency, housing, medical expenses, and travel. Conversely, net salary refers to the amount the Chief Minister ultimately receives after mandatory deductions, including taxes, provident fund contributions, and other necessary charges, have been subtracted. Therefore, while gross salary signifies the entirety of their remuneration, net salary reflects the actual sum disbursed to them.
Top Paid Chief Ministers in India
Among the Indian states, Telangana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat are noted for providing the highest remuneration to their Chief Ministers.
Telangana Chief Minister Salary Structure- Highest Paid CM
As previously highlighted, the Chief Minister of Telangana receives the highest compensation among all Chief Ministers in India. The detailed breakdown of their salary components is presented below:
| Particulars | Details in Rs. |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | 60,000 |
| Constituency Allowance | 75,000 |
| Sumptuary Allowance | 30,000 |
| Office + Other Allowances | 85,000 |
| Housing, Travel, Medical, etc. | 1,50,000 |
| Total (Net Monthly) | 4,00,000 |
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Salary- One of the Highest Paid CMs
As of May 2025, Rekha Gupta, the Chief Minister of Delhi, earns a monthly salary of ₹1,70,000. A detailed component-wise breakdown is provided here:
| Component | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Basic Salary | 60,000 |
| Constituency Allowance | 30,000 |
| Secretarial Assistance | 25,000 |
| Telephone Allowance | 10,000 |
| Travel Allowance | 10,000 |
| Daily Allowance | 1,500 per day |
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Haryana Chief Minister Salary- One of the Highest Paid CMs
Nayab Singh Saini, the Chief Minister of Haryana, receives a monthly salary of 1,57,000. This amount includes a basic salary of Rs. 50,000, alongside other allowances. For official travel, he is provided with a car, or alternatively, receives Rs. 10,000 for travel expenses. An additional allowance of 45,000 per month is granted, along with an office allowance of Rs. 2,000 at a rate of Rs. 1500. The Chief Minister of Haryana is also entitled to free accommodation, complemented by free water and electricity. Further benefits include an LTC (Leave Travel Concession) of 2 Lakhs per year, and a pension is provided upon retirement.
Lowest Paid Chief Ministers in India
The State Legislatures of Tripura, Nagaland, and Manipur are identified as providing the lowest salaries to their Chief Ministers.
| State | Chief Minister | Monthly Salary (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Tripura | Dr. Manik Saha | ₹105,500 |
| Nagaland | Neiphiu Rio | ₹110,000 |
| Manipur | N. Biren Singh | ₹120,000 |
These figures represent the stated monthly salaries for the Chief Ministers; however, they do not necessarily encompass any additional allowances or benefits that may be provided. It is important to remember that these salary amounts can be modified based on specific state regulations and periodic updates.
Who Decides the Salary of a Chief Minister?
In India, the authority to determine the salaries of Chief Ministers (CMs) resides with the respective state legislatures, as mandated by Article 164(5) of the Constitution. This constitutional provision grants each state the autonomy to establish the remuneration for its ministers, including the Chief Minister. Consequently, significant variations exist in CM salaries across different states, influenced by factors such as the state’s budget, prevailing living costs, and various political considerations. For instance, in March 2025, the Karnataka Legislative Assembly opted to double the Chief Minister’s monthly salary, raising it from ₹75,000 to ₹1,50,000, in a move to address increasing living expenses. Similarly, the Himachal Pradesh Assembly endorsed a 24% salary increment for the Chief Minister, ministers, and MLAs, explicitly linking this adjustment to the price index as a measure against inflation. These examples underscore that while the Constitution delegates the power to set salaries, the precise amounts are shaped by a combination of economic realities and specific legislative decisions at the local level.