Maharashtra Transport Minister and Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) Chairman Pratap Sarnaik has directed the ST administration to take urgent steps to ensure that around 83,000 employees receive their November salaries before Diwali.
The directive comes ahead of the festival, which begins on November 6, with Sarnaik stressing the need for employees to receive their salaries in time to manage festive shopping, household expenses and other financial commitments.
MSRTC asked to secure funds from state government
MSRTC employees generally receive their salaries between the 7th and 10th of each month. To facilitate payment before Diwali, Sarnaik has instructed the corporation’s Finance and Planning Department to urgently follow up with the state government for the funds required.
The department has also been asked to expedite the release of pending reimbursements for various passenger concession schemes, along with the necessary government grant to cover salary payments.
Administration told to prioritise salary payments
Sarnaik said the MSRTC’s financial difficulties should not affect employees’ ability to celebrate Diwali with their families. He directed officials to coordinate with the state government, arrange the required funds and plan the disbursement process to ensure salaries are paid before the festival.
The administration has been asked to treat the matter as a priority and take the necessary steps to avoid delays in salary payments.
MSRTC records Rs 66 crore revenue rise in August after changes to bus schedules
Meanwhile, the MSRTC recorded a Rs 66 crore increase in revenue in August compared with July, with changes to bus schedules and services based on passenger demand contributing to the improvement.
Sarnaik has called for steps to boost earnings and cut operating losses, while attributing the latest figures to efforts to match bus services with passenger demand.
The corporation also recorded its highest-ever daily revenue of Rs 45 crore on August 31, while its monthly revenue crossed the Rs 1,000 crore mark for the first time.
Each MSRTC depot is responsible for providing bus services to the population in its respective area. According to the corporation, more than 85 per cent of its passengers travel less than 100 km, making local and regional services an important part of its operations.
