State Government Stands Firmly Behind ST Corporation and Workers – Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar

Pune, Aug 25: The state government is determined to resolve the fundamental issues of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (ST) and its employees, and it stands firmly behind the ST workers, asserted Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

He was speaking at the Amrit Mahotsav celebration of Maharashtra ST Workers’ Union General Secretary Hanumant Tate and the Workers’ Conference organized on the occasion. The event was held at Vitthal Tupe Auditorium in Hadapsar. Present at the function were Industry Minister Uday Samant, Chairperson of Maharashtra State Women’s Commission Rupali Chakankar, MLAs Chetan Tupe and Bapusaheb Pathare, senior labor leader Baba Adhav, former MLAs Ravindra Dhangekar and Sunil Tingre, former MHADA Vice President Vijay Kolte, Chairman of Pune District Central Cooperative Bank Prof. Digambar Durgade, and ST Workers’ Union President Sandeep Shinde, among others.

Deputy CM Pawar said that during the COVID-19 period, there were issues regarding the payment of salaries to ST employees. At that time, the state government took the initiative to ensure necessary arrangements were made for salary payments. He emphasized that the government always stands behind ST employees and their families in difficult times. Since its inception in 1948, the ST has been serving the common man under the slogan “Gav Te Thev ST” (ST to Every Village). He stressed that while providing services, the ST must remain public-oriented, and services should be affordable to passengers, with workers taking proactive steps towards this goal.

Pawar highlighted that due to urban expansion, lands in prime locations earlier belonging to the ST are now in central urban areas. To develop ST bus stations at these locations through Public-Private Partnership (PPP), the existing policy of 30-30-30 years lease periods is being reconsidered. Since developers are hesitant due to shorter lease durations, a new policy to extend these agreements to an initial 49 years, with an additional 49-year extension (totaling up to 98 years), will soon be introduced by the state government. This, he said, will ensure better facilities for the public.

The Deputy CM also said that the ST buses serving the common people must be of good quality. He emphasized the need to promote electric buses (EVs) to reduce fuel expenses, noting that the central government is providing significant subsidies, and the state government is also making efforts in this regard.

Speaking about Hanumant Tate, General Secretary of the Workers’ Union, Pawar lauded his journey from a humble family in Indapur Taluka to working as a clerk in the ST and eventually rising through the ranks of the union to serve as Depot Secretary, Division Secretary, Regional Vice President, and General Secretary. He also served twice as a workers’ representative on the corporation’s board and continuously advocated for workers’ issues, Pawar said.

Industry Minister Uday Samant, in his address, said that while ST employees go on strike to press their demands, they also remain mindful of the passengers’ interests. He mentioned that five years ago, in response to their demands, the state government had approved a salary hike of ₹6,500. Maharashtra’s ST Corporation pays the highest salaries to its workers compared to other states. The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has allocated ₹600 crore for developing ST bus stations, which will be used for upgrading various stops. He stressed the need for all district bus stations in the state to be developed as bus terminals and emphasized that ST employees must actively advocate for better facilities at these stations.

During the event, Hanumant Tate and his wife were felicitated by the Deputy Chief Minister and Industry Minister. Tate responded with a speech of gratitude. Labor leader Baba Adhav also shared his thoughts. Union President Sandeep Shinde delivered the welcome address.

The program was attended by office bearers of the Maharashtra ST Workers’ Union, employees of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), and citizens.