In a unique initiative to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has announced the launch of free “Reading Corners” at 75 major bus terminals across the state. The initiative aims to promote literature, culture, and knowledge among the public.
The announcement was made by Maharashtra Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik during the 309th Board of Directors meeting held at the ST headquarters. The meeting was attended by Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar and Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Madhav Kusekar.
Pratap Sarnaik said the initiative was inspired by the vision of Shrikant Shinde and senior leader Vinay Sahasrabuddhe. “On the occasion of Modi Ji’s 75th birthday, free open libraries will be set up for the general public,” he added.
The libraries will feature works by eminent writers, including V.S. Khandekar, Kusumagraj, P.L. Deshpande, Namdev Dhasal, V.P. Kale, and Vishwas Patil. In addition, reference books for students preparing for competitive exams like MPSC and UPSC will be available.
“This ‘Reading Corner’ will preserve the rich heritage of the Marathi language and spread a new golden light of reading culture in society,” Sarnaik said.
“On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, who has given Marathi the prestige it deserves, we are presenting this priceless gift of knowledge to the public. Promoting reading culture and Marathi literature is our people-oriented initiative,” said Pratap Sarnaik.
Earlier, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik had said that he aims to turn around the loss-making Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) within the next two years and transform it into a profitable entity.
Accumulated losses of the MSRTC surged to Rs 10,324 crore in FY 2023-24 from Rs 4,603 crore in 2018-19, and the state-owned body clocked a profit only in eight fiscal years in the last 45 years, according to a `white paper` released by the corporation in late June.
The MSRTC, which came into existence on June 1, 1948, is the largest such transport body in India, with a fleet of more than 15,000 buses. More than 55 lakh commuters travel on its buses every day.
