MSRTC employees to receive Rs 10,000 Diwali bonus and higher DA
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the benefits for 83,000 staff members during a meeting in Bandra.
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced on Thursday that approximately 83,000 Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) employees will receive a Rs 10,000 Diwali bonus. According to reports from Moneycontrol, Hindustan Times, and Urban Acres, the dearness allowance (DA) for these workers has also been increased from 58 per cent to 60 per cent.
The minister made the announcement during a meeting with various MSRTC employee union representatives at the Transport Commissioner’s office in Bandra, Mumbai. In addition to the bonus and DA hike, eligible staff members will receive a festival advance of Rs 12,500.
Sarnaik stated that the decisions would create an additional financial burden of about Rs 160 crore for the state transport corporation. He noted that the government is committed to supporting staff despite the financial challenges faced by the MSRTC.
The minister said that providing the bonus is an entitlement for employees who work constantly to ensure safe travel for millions of passengers. He also requested that employees refrain from strikes or protests to avoid inconveniencing the public.
MSRTC operates a fleet of nearly 15,000 buses and carries approximately 55 lakh passengers every day. Sarnaik mentioned that the government and the corporation intend to resolve staff concerns through ongoing dialogue while working to improve services and the company's financial health.