Bhubaneswar, March 15 (IANS) Orissa legislators Monday demanded a ten-fold hike in allowances keeping in view of the 'soaring cost' of living and implementation of Sixth Pay Commission's recommendations for the state employees. Legislators currently get Rs.5,000 in allowances.

'Our demand is reasonable. The allowances of the legislators' allowances should be hiked substantially as the cost (of living) has gone up manifold in recent days,' says Pradip Maharathi, a legislator of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

'You can't do anything with the current Rs.5,000 you get. It should be substantially raised. We should get railway passes as it is given to legislators in other states,' said Naba Kishore Das of the Congress.

Some of the legislators also demanded a substantial hike in the legislator's Local Area Development (LAD) fund among other benefits such as a personal assistant, lap tops and air conditioned quarters.

'How can you stay in Bhubaneswar when mercury is rising? You need an air conditioner in the legislators' quarters,' said Anup Sai, also of the Congress.