Narendra Modi gets 9% pay rise, says he will give extra earnings to charity

India’s prime minister Narendra Modi has been confirmed as the highest‑paid head of government worldwide after a 9% raise to his monthly salary, according to the Times of India. The increase, which lifts his remuneration from the previous ₹ 1.5 million to roughly ₹ 1.64 million per month, will take effect from the next financial year. Modi announced that he will donate the difference between his old and new pay to charitable organisations, though he did not specify which causes will benefit.

The salary hike comes as part of a broader revision of allowances for top officials announced by the Ministry of Finance earlier this year. While the exact figure of the increase was not disclosed by the government, the Times of India noted that the 9% adjustment aligns with the standard cost‑of‑living increments applied to other senior civil servants. Modi’s current earnings now exceed those of leaders such as the U.K.’s prime minister and Canada’s prime minister, positioning him at the top of a global ranking compiled by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.

Historically, India’s prime ministerial salary has been modest compared to many Western counterparts. When Modi first took office in 2014, his monthly pay was set at ₹ 1.5 million, a figure that remained unchanged for eight years despite inflationary pressures. The latest revision marks the first significant increase since his tenure began, reflecting both the government’s desire to keep remuneration competitive and the symbolic gesture of linking the raise to philanthropy.

Modi’s pledge to donate the additional amount resonates with his long‑standing emphasis on public welfare and social initiatives, such as the Swachh Bharat (Clean India) campaign and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana financial inclusion scheme. Analysts suggest that the donation promise could bolster his image domestically, especially ahead of upcoming state elections where fiscal responsibility and charitable outreach are politically salient.

The move also raises questions about the transparency of charitable contributions by public officials. While the prime minister’s office has not released a detailed plan for the donations, civil‑society groups have called for a clear audit trail to ensure the funds reach intended beneficiaries. Observers note that such high‑profile pledges can set precedents for future office‑holders, potentially influencing how political salaries are perceived in the public sphere.

Overall, the salary hike and accompanying donation pledge underscore a blend of personal branding and policy signaling, positioning Modi not only as a well‑compensated leader but also as one who aligns his personal earnings with broader social goals.