Bhubaneswar, Aug. 14 -- Odisha Transport Minister Bibhuti Jena on Thursday has backed a hike in the salary and pension of public representatives, saying the existing remuneration is inadequate to meet their day-to-day requirements and responsibilities.

Speaking to the media, Jena said, "A salary hike is absolutely necessary. Today, everyone knows what is required for public representatives to lead their day-to-day lives. The current salary is like a drop in the ocean."

Referring to an earlier remark about the salary not being sufficient even for tea expenses, Jena clarified that his comments had been taken out of context. He recalled mentioning that he had eaten a dosa costing Rs 150, saying the remark was subsequently "linked and hyped...