NDTV Profit and Prahaar reported that Maharashtra approved Rs 391.02 crore (3.9102 billion rupees) for September fare concessions at the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), supporting discounted travel for eligible passengers.
Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik directed the corporation to arrange November salaries before Diwali, Loksatta and Free Press Journal reported. The festival begins Nov. 6. Loksatta said routine payroll generally lands in the first 10 days of the month, with the window opening after day six.
Prahaar reported the state issued the reimbursement resolution Tuesday, Oct. 27. NDTV Profit reproduced an excerpt from the approval describing the assistance as “unconditional.” The salary directive concerns another obligation: reports describe the approved sum as reimbursement for fare concessions granted in September, not payroll funding.
The Maharashtra Economic Survey 2024-25 says the state reimburses MSRTC for fare discounts offered to students, women, senior citizens, cancer patients and freedom fighters. It valued these concessions at Rs 4,137.62 crore in 2023-24. Eligible passengers receive lower fares under the arrangement, while Maharashtra covers the concession cost, the survey says.
Loksatta reported that MSRTC pays its operating expenses, fuel costs and salaries from its own revenue, and that delayed state reimbursements complicate its financial planning. The outlet said November salary timing depends on funding availability and administrative action. The reports gave no confirmed payday or date when the approved sum would reach MSRTC.
NDTV Profit put the MSRTC workforce at about 83,000 officers and employees. The Economic Survey listed 88,545 employees for 2024-25, using data through December. The reports did not explain the difference between the two counts.
