Mumbai, March 17 (NationPress) The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) plans to hire 17,742 drivers, conductors, and support staff on a contractual basis. This initiative aims to facilitate the integration of 8,300 new buses into the corporation's fleet.

During a recent announcement, MSRTC Chairman and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik revealed that a proposal for permanent staffing has been submitted to the Finance Department. However, the immediate hiring of contract workers is crucial to ensure that the new buses commence operations without delay.

Sarnaik emphasized that the primary objective for MSRTC and its workforce is to deliver exceptional service to regular passengers.

In a meeting with employee unions, he provided guidance on addressing daily challenges encountered by drivers and conductors, ensuring fair and transparent depot-level decision-making and disciplinary actions. Minister Sarnaik noted that constructive dialogues were held with MSRTC employee union representatives to resolve longstanding issues.

“Mumbai will soon welcome 30 sleeping coach buses and 170-seater Volvo buses. To support the addition of 8,300 buses, 17,742 personnel will be hired on a contractual basis. Additionally, following previous initiatives such as free travel for seniors over 75 and half-fare for women, retired MSRTC employees and their spouses are now entitled to free travel throughout the year,” he stated.

Furthermore, Minister Sarnaik informed the Legislative Council that special measures are being implemented to enhance travel services for ordinary citizens through MSRTC.

He highlighted that priority is being directed towards launching special initiatives aimed at diminishing the corporation's financial deficits.

Minister Sarnaik responded to a half-hour discussion initiated by member Abhijit Vanjari under Rule 92.

Members Shashikant Shinde, Dnyaneshwar Mhatre, Jayant Asgaonkar, and Niranjan Davkhare also contributed to the debate.

To enhance the 'Gaon tithe ST (bus for every village)' initiative, the government has decided to introduce mini and small buses for remote and rural regions.

Minister Sarnaik elaborated on various strategic measures being pursued to increase revenue and reduce expenses. “A new tender process for diesel procurement has secured a discount of Rs 5.13 per liter, significantly surpassing previous rates. New advertising tenders are expected to boost the corporation’s annual revenue. We will initiate commercial activities at select bus stations and utilize solar energy to cut down on electricity costs. Contract employees will be appointed temporarily to facilitate the operation of the new buses until the formal recruitment process for 17,742 driver-cum-conductor positions is finalized,” he announced.

“The MSRTC is dedicated to serving passengers in even the most remote areas of the state. We are focusing on modernizing our fleet and adopting sustainable energy sources to ensure the corporation's financial viability,” stated Minister Sarnaik.

In a separate announcement, Minister for Higher and Technical Education, Chandrakant Dada Patil, disclosed that approval has been granted to fill 5,012 Assistant Professor positions, part of the 11,918 total vacancies currently available in non-government aided colleges under the Higher and Technical Education Department.