Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde today announced a special Diwali package for around 85,000 employees and officers of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). The package includes a Rs 6,000 Diwali gift, monthly disbursement of pending salary hike arrears, and an advance of Rs 12,500 for eligible staff.

A meeting was held today at Sahyadri Guest House with all ST employee unions and action committee representatives in attendance. Deputy CM Shinde addressed the gathering, which also included Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik, Principal Secretary to the Deputy CM Navin Sona, Additional Chief Secretary of Finance Omprakash Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of Transport Sanjay Sethi, MSRTC Managing Director Dr. Madhav Kusekar, Joint Secretary Rajendra Holkar, and various union leaders.

Speaking at the event, Deputy CM Shinde said, “Due to heavy rainfall, the state is facing a difficult situation. The government is firmly standing behind our farmer brothers. At the same time, ST employees should also be able to celebrate Diwali joyfully. That’s why the government has taken this decision today.”

He further emphasised the importance of financially strengthening the MSRTC. As part of the revival plan, he mentioned that various measures are being implemented to increase the corporation’s income, including the development of ST land under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.

The state government has approved a grant of Rs 51 crore to fund the Rs 6,000 Diwali gift for all MSRTC employees and officers. Additionally, the salary arrears from 2020 to 2024 due to the implementation of the pay hike will now be paid out monthly along with regular salaries. To enable this, the government has made a provision of Rs 65 crore per month.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik also confirmed that employees who wish to take festival advance will receive Rs 12,500, as done in previous years. For this, the MSRTC has requested Rs 54 crore from the state government.

This festive support package aims to bring relief and joy to thousands of state transport workers while efforts continue to revive and strengthen the financially stressed MSRTC.