New data released via a Right to Information (RTI) request has revealed that the total expenditure on salaries, allowances, travel, and facilities for all sitting Rajya Sabha members exceeded ₹262 crore across the 2024–25 and 2025–26 financial years. This significant sum, drawn from the state exchequer, has raised questions regarding parliamentary expense management and the necessity of such costs.
The information, provided by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat in response to an application filed by Chander Shekhar Gaur, indicates a sharp increase in spending. In the financial year 2024–25, expenses were over ₹98 crore, which then surged to approximately ₹163 crore in 2025–26. This represents an increase of roughly ₹65 crore year-on-year.
Travel and Allowances Lead Spending
A substantial portion of the total expenditure, over ₹151 crore, was allocated to allowances and travel alone over the two-year period. Delving into the breakdown:
- 2024–25: Salaries amounted to over ₹25.71 crore, medical bills were ₹8.20 crore, tour expenses reached ₹24.99 crore, and allowances exceeded ₹33.33 crore.
- 2025–26: Salaries rose to more than ₹44.60 crore, medical bills to ₹9.60 crore, tour expenses increased to ₹36 crore, and allowances climbed to about ₹58.78 crore.
These figures highlight where the bulk of public funds for Members of Parliament are being directed, particularly towards mobility and various entitlements.
Multiple Categories of Expenditure
The Rajya Sabha Secretariat specified that MPs are entitled to expenditure under 21 distinct object heads. Beyond salaries, allowances, and domestic and international travel, these categories include medical bills and office expenses. Other listed heads encompass printing and publication, digital equipment, fuel and lubricant, professional services, repair and maintenance, subsidies, and a range of other revenue expenses.
The noticeable rise in parliamentary spending has drawn public attention and is likely to intensify calls for greater transparency. Experts suggest that such revelations could prompt demand for periodic audits of all 21 expenditure heads to ensure accountability and optimal use of taxpayer money. (With inputs from PTI)