What are the perks enjoyed by the President of India?

The President is the first citizen of India and is the head of the Indian state and the head of all armed forces in the country. He/she also acts as the symbol of the integrity and solidarity of the nation.

The tenure of Ram Nath Kovind, the 14th President of India, came to an end on July 24. The voting for the 15th President of India was conducted on July 18, with a turnout of almost 99 percent.

Also read: Who was Shyam Charan, Droupadi Murmu’s husband?

As Droupadi Murmu won the Presidential election, she became the first woman from the tribal community to occupy the top constitutional post. 

The post of the president comes with a lot of perks and privileges. Let’s take a look at the Indian president’s salary and other perks that they enjoy during their tenure.

Also read: What happened to Droupadi Murmu’s sons and husband Shyam Charan?

• President’s home

Rashtrapati Bhavan, one of the largest presidential palaces in the world is home to the president of India. Rashtrapati Bhavan was the creation of architects of exceptional imagination and masterfulness, Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker.

The president will live in a 330-acre construction with a built-up area of 200,000 sq ft divided into 340 rooms in a single-story building. The palace also has an enormous library and an attached spacious reading space.

Also read: India celebrates Droupadi Murmu’s election as 15th President: In pics

• Living in style

The President lives in a palace with massive stables and a remarkable collection of horses, a set of hospitals, a giant golf course and the famous Mughal gardens along with four other variations of stunningly decorated gardens.

The Mughal gardens spread over a vast expanse of 15 acres, has often been portrayed, and deservedly so, as the soul of the Presidential Palace.

• Salary of the Indian President

According to various reports, the President of India draws a salary of approximately Rs 5 lakh per month. After the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission, the salary of the president increased by more than 200 per cent. Till 2017, the President used to get Rs 1.50 lakh per month. However, in 2017, it was increased to Rs 5 lakh per month.

Also read: Droupadi Murmu is India’s 15th President: PM Modi, Amit Shah lead wishes

• Holiday retreats

The president also entitled to have two equally lavish holiday retreats. One is the Rashtrapati Nilayam in Hyderabad and the other is the Retreat Building in Shimla.

The location of Presidential Retreats is in north and south, as a symbol of unity of our country and unity of our diverse cultures and people.

• The President’s Security

The President’s Bodyguard (PBG) provides security for the President of India. PBG is not only the most senior but also the oldest unit in the Indian Army. PBG serves as a ceremonial unit during peacetime but can also be deployed during wartime because they are trained paratroopers.

Also read: Who are Santhals, tribe Droupadi Murmu belongs to?

• Retirement

After retirement, the President is entitled to numerous benefits. Some of them are pension of Rs. 1.5 lakh per month. One fully furnished and rent-free bungalow and free train or air travel with a companion.

• Other allowances

The President also receives other allowances which include free medical, housing and treatment facilities for life.