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Indian President’s Salary: Today, the salary and perks received by the President of India have increased manifold compared to the past. Find out how much the country’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, used to earn.

Indian President’s Salary: It has been 75 years since the country gained independence. During this period, the nation has faced numerous challenges—ranging from economic crises and riots to famine and pandemics. Despite these hurdles, the country continued to march forward, emerging as the world’s largest democracy and a leading developing nation. The credit for the stature our country has achieved today goes directly to its leadership. In this context, do you know what the salary of India’s first President—a key figure in this leadership—was, and how it differs from the President’s salary today?

The President of India serves not only as the Head of State but also as the country’s First Citizen. The President of India is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces and is elected by an electoral college comprising its members. Speaking of the President’s current remuneration, the salary stood at ₹1.5 lakh per month until 2016; today, it has risen to ₹5 lakh per month. This represents a 200 percent increase. A notable feature is that the President is exempt from paying any income tax on this salary. Furthermore, the President is provided with the magnificent Rashtrapati Bhavan as a residence, along with free medical care, security, and various other amenities.

This is how much the country’s first President earned

On January 26, 1950—when the country’s Constitution came into force—Dr. Rajendra Prasad assumed office as India’s first President. Dr. Rajendra Prasad remains the only President to have resided in the Rashtrapati Bhavan for a full 12 years. He was born on December 3, 1884, in the village of Ziradei in the Siwan district of Bihar. The circumstances back then were vastly different from those of today; at that time, the President’s salary was significantly lower compared to current standards. While the President’s salary currently stands at ₹5 lakh per month, it was once a mere ₹10,000; notably, Dr. Rajendra Prasad accepted only half of this amount—a mere ₹5,000. Furthermore, towards the end of his tenure, Dr. Prasad drew a salary of just ₹2,500. Not only this, but he also performed all his personal chores himself and employed only a single personal assistant. Over time, circumstances changed, inflation rose, and responsibilities expanded; consequently, the President’s salary has been revised upward on several occasions.

How ​​Significant is the Difference Between Past and Present Salaries?

When comparing the salary of the past with that of the present, the disparity appears quite substantial. Previously, the President received limited perks and a modest salary; today, however, the office comes with the benefits of a large security detail, luxury vehicles, complimentary travel, and an extensive support staff. Currently, the Rashtrapati Bhavan comprises approximately 340 rooms and employs hundreds of people. This is precisely why the office of the President is now regarded as an institution endowed with far greater privileges than ever before.

Special Privileges Continue Even After Retirement

In India, the prestige of the President’s office does not cease with the completion of the tenure; rather, several privileges continue to be extended even after retirement. For instance, upon retiring from the presidency, a former President receives a monthly pension of ₹2.5 lakh. Moreover, the former President’s spouse is provided with a monthly allowance of ₹30,000 to cover secretarial assistance. Additionally, the former President is allotted a bungalow with a minimum of eight rooms for accommodation, along with travel facilities. Furthermore, security cover and the services of a personal staff comprising five individuals continue uninterrupted. It is for these reasons that the office of the President is counted among the most esteemed and privileged positions in the country.