Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ordered the reinstatement of employees of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) who were dismissed during the Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government in connection with the alleged attack on NCP chief Sharad Pawar’s Silver Oak residence in south Mumbai on April 8. Nearly 118 striking employees were dismissed for their alleged involvement in the attack. The CM's directive came on Friday after he chaired a meeting with the MSRTC officials and senior bureaucrats.
The MSRTC employees had gone on strike for almost six months to demand salary hike and MSRTC’s merger with the state government among other demands. At this time, negotiations were held from time to time by the government to end the strike. However, the strike continued even after that.
During this time, some MSRTC employees allegedly attacked Pawar’s home by pelting stones. Immediately after that the former transport minister Anil Parab had made the announcement of the dismissal of 118 employees.
Meanwhile, Shinde also discussed the present financial position of MSRTC and their need for the monthly payment of salary and its contribution towards provident fund to over 90,000 employees.