Mumbai, Oct 27 (PTI) The Maharashtra government on Tuesday issued a notification allocating Rs 391.02 crore for the state transport corporation, enabling the cash-strapped undertaking to pay salaries to its employees ahead of Diwali.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has directed the Maharashtra State Transport Corporation (MSRTC) to ensure that salaries to around 83,000 officers and employees are disbursed before the festival, a release stated.
MSRTC is one of the largest transport corporations in the country with a fleet of more than 15,000 vehicles that ferry more than 55 lakh passengers every day.
According to the release, the state government had approved the Rs 391.02 crore allocation in September, but a government resolution was issued on Tuesday.
MSRTC employees generally receive their monthly salaries between the 7th and 10th of each month. With Diwali beginning on November 6, Sarnaik has directed the corporation’s administration to expedite the payment process.
Sarnaik, who is also the chairman of the corporation, said the government and the MSRTC administration should work in coordination to ensure that financial difficulties do not affect Diwali celebrations.
Reacting to the development, Shrirang Barge, general secretary of the Maharashtra ST Karmachari Congress, said the sanctioned amount was insufficient to cover the entire salary.
“At least Rs 560 crore is required to pay the full salaries. With such a small amount, only the net salaries will be paid. Contributions to the provident fund (PF), gratuity and other statutory dues cannot be paid. The government has once again left us disappointed,” Barge said. PTI KK ARU
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