St Employees Salary : Big Relief for ST Employees! Arrears of Salary Increase Deposited in Account
A comforting news has finally emerged for the approximately 86,000 ST employees who keep the 'Lalpari' running across the state with their hard work. The overdue installment of the salary increase for the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (ST Corporation) employees has been credited to their bank accounts, bringing satisfaction to the employees' faces. Due to lack of funds, it was difficult to pay the overdue salary increase installment in February. However, the state government immediately allocated 100 crore rupees, resolving this issue. This decision is not just financial assistance but a symbol of the government's sensitivity, said Transport Minister and ST Corporation Chairman Pratap Sarnaik.
Earlier in October 2025, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, with the consent of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and then Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, announced a grant of approximately 65 crore rupees per month in a meeting with labor unions. Accordingly, the process of overdue installments began in December. However, due to some technical difficulties and lack of funds, it was not possible to provide the installment in February. This created an atmosphere of dissatisfaction among the employees.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Minister Sarnayak continuously discussed with the Chief Minister and both Deputy Chief Ministers. The ST Corporation had demanded a total of 325 crore rupees from the state government. It was clarified that there was an urgent need for 210 crore rupees. Finally, a fund of 100 crore rupees was made immediately available through a government decision. It has been indicated that the remaining amount will also be received soon. On February 24, as soon as the pending installment of the salary increase was deposited in the accounts of all eligible employees, the clouds of discontent disappeared. Expressing the sentiment of 'the promise was kept,' the employees thanked Minister Sarnayak and the state government. For many employees, this installment has proved to be extremely important for managing household expenses, loan repayments, and educational expenses.
ST service is considered the lifeline of citizens in rural and remote areas. In such a situation, it was necessary to boost the morale of the employees. This decision by the government has generated new energy among the employees, and they have expressed their determination to provide better service to the passengers. Meanwhile, there is an expectation to make the remaining funds available as soon as possible to create financial stability. This decision will directly benefit the families of 86,000 employees in the state.