Opposition Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul, today chided the Government for not offering better salary increases for public servants, while noting that Government Ministers are now pocketing more in their earnings.

During the budget debates today, Mr. Mahipaul reminded that while in Opposition, the PPP chastised the Coalition Government for raising the salaries of Ministers. He noted that those salary increase to Ministers in the previous government was one-off and no other increase was given during their time in office.

However, he said despite stern rejection by the PPP and a promise to reverse the increase, PPP Ministers are now benefitting more. He said when the PPP took office, a senior Minister was earning just over $800,000, but since 2021 that has increased to over $1M, while a junior Minister who was earning just over $600,000 is now earning over $800,000.

“Additionally, allowances totally over $800,000 bringing the total monthly renumeration of Ministers to an astounding $1.8M, and the very people who are receiving this salary vehemently criticized the APNU+AFC  Ministers, who were receiving a fraction of that figure, yet we are expected to be grateful for the 6.5%  increase which was taxed and it was claimed that the public purse cannot affords more,” Mahipaul stated.

Mahipaul made the revelation to juxtapose the increases that were given to public servants. He said the recently announced 6.5% taxable salary adjustment, stands as a disheartening chapter in the nation’s history.

“While our dedicated public servants, disciplined men and women, teachers, doctors and nurses—the pillars of our nation are contending with the rise in cost of living, government Ministers sit comfortably in their offices receiving, a fat salary.” Mahaipaul said.,

The Opposition MP said there is a lack of balance in allocation, particularly towards human capital development and support for vulnerable tax payers.

Mahipaul noted that while infrastructure is needed and remains important, the Government needed to strike the balance between a better quality of life for its citizens and infrastructural development.

“The current landscape, marked by the fifth budget under the PPP/C regime only delivered a $15,000 increase to the minimum despite a $826B budget last year and a budget of $1.146 trillion, there is no minimum wage increase. This stark contrast, raises questions about the government’s commitment to improving the livelihood of the working class, considering the significant strides made in the previous administration,” Mahipaul noted.

He said once the coalition government is returned to office, tangible salary increases will be granted to show appreciation to public servants for the dedicated services they offer daily.

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