Mumbai, June 11: In a major relief for nearly 86,000 employees of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Prataprao Sarnaik has announced an increase in the Dearness Allowance (DA) from 53 percent to 58 percent, bringing it on par with state government employees. The minister also announced a hike in the House Rent Allowance (HRA) for corporation staff.
The announcement was made during a key meeting held at MSRTC headquarters, Vahatuk Bhavan, in Mumbai, where various pending issues concerning employees were discussed with representatives of different labor unions.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde addressed the gathering via telephone and urged employee organizations to work collectively towards strengthening the corporation through cooperation and mutual understanding.
Sarnaik also directed the administration to ensure that any future DA increase granted to state government employees is extended to MSRTC employees simultaneously. He further stated that pending salary revision arrears would be paid in phases, subject to the corporation’s financial condition.
To address employees’ concerns more effectively, Sarnaik assured union representatives that a meeting involving Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, both Deputy Chief Ministers, and employee organizations would be convened soon.
The meeting covered a wide range of issues, including wages, allowances, service conditions, recruitment for vacant positions, bus station development, employee welfare schemes, and measures to improve the corporation’s operational efficiency. The minister assured employees that their genuine demands would receive positive consideration.
Emphasizing continuous dialogue with labor unions, Sarnaik announced the formation of a committee comprising one representative from each employee organization. The committee will suggest measures to increase MSRTC revenues, and the corporation will work towards implementing its recommendations.
Highlighting modernization efforts, Sarnaik said that nearly 3,500 new buses have already been added to the MSRTC fleet. He reiterated the corporation’s goal of achieving a 100 percent electric bus fleet by 2035 under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Necessary charging infrastructure will be developed across the state to support this transition.
The minister also noted that a statewide crackdown on illegal passenger transport services operating near bus stations is yielding positive results in boosting MSRTC revenues. The campaign is being led by Chief Security and Vigilance Officer Priyanka Narnaware and will be intensified further.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the corporation’s growth, Sarnaik said that through close cooperation between employees and management, MSRTC can become more efficient, passenger-centric, and financially self-reliant. He assured employees that the government would continue to address their concerns with sensitivity and urgency.
The meeting was attended by MSRTC Vice Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Madhav Kusekar, senior officials, union leaders, and employee representatives from across Maharashtra.
