Maharashtra approves Rs 391 crore so ST staff get salaries before Diwali

The way has been cleared for employees of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (ST) to receive their salaries before Diwali. The Maharashtra government has approved Rs 391 crore for the purpose. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik had pursued the matter continuously, and the effort has succeeded, it is being said.

A promise had been made to pay the salaries of ST officers and employees before the festival so that their Diwali would be a happy one. The approval is being seen as an important step towards keeping that promise. Sarnaik, who is the transport minister and also chairman of the ST corporation, had followed up to ensure the financial provision for salaries. The state government then approved Rs 391.02 crore to the corporation as reimbursement for travel concessions for September 2026. The government resolution on this was issued on October 27, 2026.

The ST corporation has about 83,000 officers and employees. Their salaries are usually paid between the 7th and 10th of each month. This year, however, Diwali begins on November 6. Minister Sarnaik had therefore asked the ST administration to act urgently so that employees are paid before the festival. Accordingly, the transport department and the ST administration followed up to obtain the required funds from the government.

The reimbursement the corporation receives from the government for travel concession schemes holds an important place in its financial planning. Implementing the Mahila Sanman Yojana, concessions for senior citizens and several other passenger concessions places a heavy financial burden on the corporation. If the reimbursement for these concessions arrives on time, it helps speed up the corporation's financial transactions. With the government's decision, funds are now available for the pre-Diwali salaries, bringing great relief to employees.

Sarnaik had taken the position that the government and the ST administration should work in coordination so that financial difficulties do not cast a shadow over the employees' festive joy. He said, "ST is not merely a transport service but an integral part of the lives of lakhs of citizens in Maharashtra. The officers and employees who keep this service running round the clock are the true strength of the corporation. It is our sincere position that their families too should be able to celebrate Diwali joyfully. The government has taken an important decision towards keeping the word we gave that employees should receive their wages before Diwali. Now the ST administration should complete the process of disbursing the wages urgently."