Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday announced a Rs 6,000 special `Diwali gift` for around 85,000 employees and officers of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).

An official statement said that the state government will also provide Rs 65 crore every month to MSRTC to pay the pending salary hike arrears. Eligible employees will receive a Diwali advance of Rs 12,500, as done in previous years.