Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL), has once again drawn zero salary for FY25—opting out of salary, allowances, commissions, and perks for the fifth consecutive year
Background & Significance
- This voluntary decision began during the COVID‑19 pandemic in FY21 as a gesture of leadership restraint. Prior to that, his annual pay was capped at ₹15 crore annually from FY09 to FY20
- In FY25, Ambani continues to receive compensation only through dividends. He personally holds 1.61 crore shares, yielding around ₹8.85 crore in dividend income at ₹5.50 per share. The Reliance promoter group’s dividends total around ₹3,655 crore Business Standard
Key Insights & Context
| Metric | FY25 Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Drawn | ₹0 (Salary, allowances, perks, and benefits) |
| Years of No Salary | 5 years consecutively (FY21–FY25) |
| Prior Salary (FY09–FY20) | Voluntarily capped at ₹15 crore/year |
| Personal Dividend Income | ₹8.85 crore |
| Promoter Group Dividend | ₹3,655 crore |
Why This Matters
Mukesh Ambani’s continued rejection of a salary reflects commitment to executive pay moderation amid growing scrutiny of corporate governance and fiscal responsibility.
Despite no salary, his financial standing remains strong, supported by significant dividend income tied to his equity in Reliance—a company that is India’s largest by market cap and a key contributor to the national economy
