Maha govt approves hike for MSRTC staff, raises DA and HRA
Mumbai, June 23
In a major relief for Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation employees, the state government has announced a significant salary and allowance hike.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Tuesday made the announcement during the ongoing monsoon session of the state legislature, a move widely welcomed across the corporation.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Minister Sarnaik detailed the financial benefits approved to safeguard the welfare and rights of the MSRTC workforce.
He said the Dearness Allowance for ST employees has been increased by five per cent, taking it up from the current 53 per cent to 58 per cent. The House Rent Allowance (HRA) slabs have also been revised upward.
The previous rates of 8, 16, and 24 per cent have now been upgraded to 10, 20, and 30 per cent, respectively, depending on the city tier. The rate of annual salary increment has been improved, too. Instead of the earlier 2 per cent annual hike, employees will now receive a 3 per cent annual increment.
This comprehensive hike will place an additional financial burden of Rs 45 crore per month on the cash-strapped MSRTC.
Addressing this, Minister Sarnaik emphasised that the financial load on the corporation was secondary to ensuring justice and fair rights for its employees.
MSRTC employees have historically complained about low pay scales and have frequently organised strikes and protests demanding better salary structures, DA corrections, and improved working conditions. This decision directly addresses these long-standing grievances, triggering widespread celebration among the staff.
Further, Minister Sarnaik also issued a stern warning regarding the private transport sector. He stated that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards private buses transporting illegal parcels and cargo. Stringent legal action will be initiated against operators found in violation of these norms, he warned.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who relies on MSRTC buses daily for commuting between Thane and Mumbai, I'm happy for the employees - they truly deserve better pay. But I'm worried about how this will affect ticket prices. The corporation is already running at a loss, and this additional burden might mean higher fares for passengers like us. Hope they find a balance between employee welfare and affordable public transport. 🤔
Good step by the Maha government! Our ST workers have been protesting for years - I remember the 2020 strike that paralyzed transport across the state. This will definitely boost their morale. But I have a small concern: the 3% annual increment still seems low compared to inflation. Also, what about the contractual workers who don't get these benefits? Hope the government considers them too in future. Overall, a positive move. 👍
I appreciate the sentiment behind this decision, but I can't help thinking about the financial prudence. MSRTC is already heavily indebted, and adding Rs 45 crore monthly without clear revenue plans seems risky. The minister saying "financial load is secondary" sounds nice, but someone has to pay eventually - likely taxpayers or passengers through higher fares. Better to focus on modernizing operations, reducing fuel costs, and increasing efficiency alongside pay hikes. Just my two cents. 💭
Very happy for the MSRTC employees! My father worked for ST for 30 years, and I know how tough the job is - long hours, risky roads, and constant pressure. This DA hike and better HRA will make a real difference for their families. Also glad to see the minister warning private buses about illegal cargo - those overloaded private vehicles are a menace on highways. Hope the government follows through with strict enforcement. Well done! 👏🎉
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