Sarnaik directs MSRTC to pay 83,000 staff November salary before Diwali

Maharashtra Transport Minister and Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) Chairman Pratap Sarnaik has directed the ST administration to ensure that about 83,000 employees receive their November salary before Diwali. Immediate steps have been sought for this.

The Diwali festival begins on November 6. Sarnaik said employees need to get their salary on time to manage festival shopping, household expenses and other financial responsibilities.

MSRTC employees usually receive their salary between the 7th and 10th of each month. So that payment can be made before Diwali, Sarnaik has asked the corporation's finance and planning department to immediately approach and follow up with the state government for the required funds.

The department has also been told to get the pending reimbursements for the various fare concession schemes released quickly. It has also been asked to secure soon the government grant needed to pay salaries.

Sarnaik said MSRTC's financial difficulties should not affect employees celebrating Diwali with their families. He told officials to coordinate with the state government, arrange the necessary money and draw up a full payment plan so that salaries can be paid before the festival.

The administration has been told to treat the matter as a first priority and to take whatever steps are needed to avoid delay in salaries.

Meanwhile, MSRTC's earnings rose by Rs 66 crore in August compared with July. Bus timings and services were reportedly changed in line with passenger demand, which brought the improvement.

Sarnaik has spoken of steps to raise earnings and reduce losses arising from operating costs. He credits the latest figures to efforts to match bus services to passenger demand.

On August 31, the corporation recorded its highest single-day earnings so far, Rs 45 crore. Monthly earnings crossed Rs 1,000 crore for the first time.

Every MSRTC depot is responsible for providing bus service to the population in its area. According to the corporation, more than 85 per cent of its passengers travel less than 100 km, so local and regional services are an important part of its operations.