Paytm has allotted over 1.88 lakh equity shares to employees who exercised stock options under its Esop 2019 scheme. The company also approved a fresh grant of 1.23 lakh stock options, valued at approximately Rs 16.6 crore based on the last closing price. This move aims to retain and incentivize employees, a common practice for startups, despite past regulatory scrutiny concerning Esops. The allotment increases Paytm's total outstanding equity shares.