MSRTC announces ₹10,000 bonus and DA hike for 83,000 employees
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the financial measures during a meeting with employee unions in Bandra.
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced on Thursday that 83,000 officers and employees of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will receive a ₹10,000 ex-gratia grant for Diwali. According to reports by The Hindu and Hindustan Times, the decision was made during a meeting with various employee unions at the Transport Commissioner's office in Bandra.
The announcement also includes an increase in the Dearness Allowance (DA) from 58 per cent to 60 per cent. Additionally, eligible employees will receive an advance payment of ₹12,500 for the festival.
Sarnaik stated that these measures would impose an additional financial burden of approximately ₹160 crore on the corporation. He noted that despite the financial difficulties faced by the MSRTC, the government is committed to ensuring employees can celebrate the festival.
The minister said that providing the bonus is a right for the staff who work constantly to ensure safe transport for lakhs of passengers. He appealed to the employees to avoid strikes or agitations, noting that such actions could inconvenience the public.
The MSRTC is the largest state-run public transport undertaking in the country, operating nearly 15,000 buses and ferries for about 55 lakh daily passengers. Sarnaik said the government and the corporation intend to resolve grievances through dialogue while working to strengthen the financial position of the MSRTC.