Photo Courtesy: nenews
Aizawl: Mizoram MLA and former Cabinet minister Robert Romawia Royte has donated his entire government salary for 90 consecutive months. He funneled Rs 1.25 crore into a charitable account between December 2018 and June 2026. This period covers his 60 months as a minister and 30 months as an MLA. Every rupee went to aid the underprivileged. The records remain fully documented for transparency.
Royte decided on this move before the 2018 assembly elections. He ran on a Mizo National Front ticket. He kept his word. "I made two decisions together just before the 2018 MLA election — to contest from the MNF and to donate my entire salary to the poor if elected. I did so and will continue," he said.
The legislator is a successful entrepreneur. He founded North East Consultancy Services, Royte Fisheries, and Royte Brick Industries. His own financial independence allowed him to give away his public pay. The gesture aims to redefine political accountability in the state.
Royte looked to high-profile examples for inspiration. He pointed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave his Gujarat Chief Minister savings to fund the education of state secretariat staff daughters. He also noted former US President Donald Trump and former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica as leaders who donated their salaries.
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