Maharashtra announces Diwali bonus and DA hike for MSRTC staff
Around 83,000 employees of the state-run transport corporation will receive a ₹10,000 bonus and a dearness allowance increase.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced on Thursday that approximately 83,000 employees of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will receive a ₹10,000 Diwali bonus. According to reports from Outlook, the dearness allowance (DA) for these staff members will also rise from 58 per cent to 60 per cent.
The minister made the announcement during a meeting with various MSRTC employee unions at the Transport Commissioner’s office in Bandra. He stated that eligible staff members would also be provided with a festival advance of ₹12,500.
Sarnaik noted that the bonus and the increase in DA would add approximately ₹160 crore to the expenses of the state-run corporation. He mentioned that while the MSRTC is dealing with financial challenges, the government intends to ensure employees can celebrate the festival.
The minister said that providing a bonus is a right for the officers and employees who work constantly to ensure safe travel for many passengers. He also requested that employees avoid strikes or protests, noting that such actions could disrupt services for passengers.
The government and the corporation have committed to addressing employee concerns through dialogue. Sarnaik added that efforts will continue to improve passenger services and the financial stability of the MSRTC.
The MSRTC is the largest state-run public transport undertaking in India, operating nearly 15,000 buses and ferries for about 55 lakh passengers every day.