Presidential pay-slip: Salary, perks and post-retirement allowances

The stage is set for India’s next President as Ram Nath Kovind’s five-year tenure comes to an end on July 24. The crucial Presidential election in India is scheduled for July 18 and the counting of votes will take place on July 21. NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu, facing opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha, is well placed to win the contest.

The President of India, called the first citizen, is the highest official of the country and the supreme commander of three armed forces — the Army, Air Force, and Navy. His primary duty is to preserve, protect and defend the constitution and the law of India as per Article 60. While the President appoints the Chief Justice of India and other judges on the advice of the chief justice, he may dismiss a judge with a two-thirds vote of the two Houses of the parliament.

No wonder, the position comes with a host of perks and privileges.

Also read: Presidential elections, a fight between two ideologies: Yashwant Sinha

The President lives in the Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi, which is the world’s largest presidential Palace. The sprawling heritage building has a total of 340 rooms spread over four floors, 2.5 kilometres of corridors and 190 acres of garden area.

The heritage building houses the President’s official residence, including reception halls, guest rooms, and offices, also known as the mansion. He has a secretarial staff of five people and another 200 people employed for the upkeep of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

President’s salary

The President draws a salary of approximately Rs 5 lakh per month. Until 2017, the President used to get Rs 1.50 lakh per month. The first President of India got a salary of Rs 10,000 in 1951.

He also receives other allowances which include free medical, housing and treatment facilities for life. In addition, the Government of India spends Rs 22.5 million annually on expenses like President’s housing, staff, food and hosting of guests.

The President is entitled to a custom-built Black Mercedes Benz S600 (W221) Pullman Guard. He also has a heavily armoured stretch limousine for official visits.

Apart from the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President is entitled to two equally lavish holiday retreats — the Rashtrapati Nilayam in Hyderabad and the Retreat Building in Shimla.

The President and the spouse can travel to any place in the world free of cost.

After retirement perks

The President is entitled to a volley of perks and privileges after retirement. Ex-presidents are eligible for government accommodation and are entitled to a hefty pension. The retired president receives Rs 1.5 lakh as pension per month while spouses of Presidents get secretarial assistance of Rs 30,000 per month.

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Apart from this, the President after retirement gets one fully furnished rent-free Type VIII bungalow, two free landlines and a mobile phone, five personal staff and staff expenses of Rs 60,000 a year and free travel with a companion by train or air.