Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government will form a committee to look into the demands of Driver Association of the State, informed Transport Minister Padmanabha Behera on Monday.
He added that necessary action will be taken within three months.
Reportedly, the decision was taken after a discussion with the drivers. “Discussion with Association were fruitful. We will assess the steps that have been taken by other state governments for their drivers,” added Behera.
It is pertinent to mention that the Odisha Driver Association held an one-day protest in the capital city Bhubaneswar over a 11-point charter of demands.
Thousands of drivers from different parts of the state arrived in Bhubaneswar this morning and gathered at Master Canteen Square.
Due to the huge rally, Mo Bus services were affected on several routes including 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 20, 50, and 70 while the same on route nos. 20, 21, 22A, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 32, 33, 34 and 35 were diverted.
Traffic congestion was also witnessed at Rasulgarh, Vani Vihar, Rajmahal, Acharya Vihar and Jayadev Vihar squares.
The demands of the association included enacting a special law for the protection of drivers, construction of restrooms every 100 kilometres on National & State Highways, Rs 20 lakh insurance cover for death due to accidents, Rs 10 lakh insurance to an injured driver, a pension scheme after attaining the age of 55 years, health insurance of Rs 5 lakh, fixed salary, higher education facility for their children, housing facilities and various demands.
Notably, the Odisha Driver Association had staged a padayatra over a 10-point charter of demands earlier on October 29, 2021 in Bhubaneswar. They had demanded corona warrior status to all members of Odisha Driver Association, pension after attaining age of 60 years and Rs 20 lakh insurance cover for death due to accidents.
Ms Kalinga