Daulat Rahman/Guwahati
A legislator from Mizoram in North East India has shattered the stereotype of an elected leader by donating all his earnings as a people's representative for the welfare of the poor and the underprivileged.
The legislator is Robert Romawia Royte, a former Cabinet Minister in the Mizoram government. For the past 7.5 years (90 months) - from December 2018 to June 2026 - Royte did not take home a rupee of his salary. Instead, he transferred ₹1.25 Crore to the bank account of a charitable organisation.
According to an official statement, this period includes 60 months as a Cabinet Minister and 30 months as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). Proper records have been maintained for every expenditure, ensuring that the funds have been used exclusively for welfare and charitable purposes.
Robert Romawia Royte with prominent neurosurgeon Dr Navanil Baura in Guwahati
According to reports, the money has been spent on assisting poor families, financially disadvantaged students, churches, NGOs, and various community welfare initiatives across Mizoram. The money spent is well documented, and there is proper accountability for every rupee spent.
Royte said he had decided this before winning the 2018 Mizoram Assembly elections. He had pledged that if elected on a Mizo National Front (MNF) ticket, he would donate his entire salary to the poor. Not only has he honoured that promise in letter and spirit, but he also plans to continue doing so in the future.
Recalling his commitment, Royte said: "Just before the 2018 Assembly elections, I made two important decisions—to contest the election on an MNF ticket and, if elected, to donate my entire salary to the poor. I have fulfilled that promise, and I will continue to do so in the future."
Apart from being an elected representative, Robert Romawia Royte is also an entrepreneur. He is the founder of North East Consultancy Services (NECS), Royte Fisheries, and Royte Brick Industries. His financial independence has enabled him to use his salary for philanthropy.
Robert Romawia Royte speaking at a function
His largeheartedness is perhaps matched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, as Chief Minister of Gujarat, donated all his accumulated savings to a welfare fund established for the education of daughters of employees of the Gujarat Secretariat.
Similarly, former US President Donald Trump and former Uruguayan President José Mujica also gave up their official salaries for public causes during their tenure. Royte's initiative is being regarded as an equally inspiring example of selfless public service.
Through his actions, Robert Romawia Royte has shown the nation what it truly means to be a people's representative. His deep commitment to society and willingness to place public welfare above personal gain serve as an extraordinary source of inspiration—not only for politicians but for every citizen.
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By redirecting his government earnings to those in need, Royte has fostered a culture of selfless service that deserves to be emulated.
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