At a time when rumours about the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC)’s possible privatisation are doing the rounds, Maharashtra’s Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has firmly put them to rest. Speaking at Mumbai’s Parel bus depot on July 14, Sarnaik assured employees that the state-run transport body, which employs nearly 83,000 people, will remain a public organisation. “MSRTC is an autonomous body. There’s no question of privatisation,” he said, urging staff not to believe in speculation.
Sarnaik was at the depot to inaugurate a new water purifier and cooler for staff and passengers. He said that it is a small step towards improving everyday working conditions. The event was organised by Shrirang Berge of the Rashtriya ST Kamgar Congress, with support from labour leader Bhai Jagtap. MSRTC officials, including Regional Manager Yamini Joshi and Divisional Controller Abhijeet Patil, were also present.
He acknowledged the demanding nature of MSRTC employees’ work and stressed that providing them with basic amenities isn’t just a formality; it’s a responsibility. Clean toilets, proper rest areas and even freshly washed uniforms and grooming services like haircuts and shaving are on the cards, he said. A private agency is expected to handle these services soon.
According to Sarnaik, when staff feel cared for, it reflects in their performance. “A better environment means better work,” he said, adding that boosting employee well-being would ultimately improve MSRTC’s efficiency and output.
