Finance: The cost of governance

First and foremost, the security threats in politically volatile regions impose substantial financial costs on legislators. They often allocate personal resources toward ensuring their safety. The cost can be anywhere from Rs150,000 to over Rs1 million monthly, depending on the level of protection. Basic unarmed guards cost Rs25,000-35,000 per month each, while armed guards range from Rs50,000-75,000. Renting a bulletproof vehicle adds Rs500,000 -700,000 per month while purchasing one can cost Rs30-50m. Additional expenses for CCTV cameras, metal detectors, and communication equipment can further increase costs. High-end security is normally for high-profile individuals, but for most, a standard monthly security expense of Rs100,000 to Rs150,000 remains essential, which makes it more than half of their salary, even in the least expense scenario.