Steering down protest of Odisha Drivers Mahasangh to continue as discussion with Transport Minister remains inconclusive

Bhubaneswar: The “steering down” protest will continue as the four-hour long meeting between Transport Minister and the Odisha Drivers Mahasangh remains inconclusive.

The Commerce and Transport Minister, Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, informed that measures will be taken to meet their demands.

He said, “Appointment of the drivers in industries and building of rest rooms for them in the State Highways has been discussed in the meeting.”

However, the President of the Odisha Drivers’ Association, Prashant Menduli had not attended the meeting. The drivers’ mahasangh opined that only after discussion with him things will proceed.

According to information, the association is protesting to press for the fulfillment of their seven-point charter of demands.

Except the drivers of the emergency services, all others including that of bus, truck and auto-rickshaw will go on an indefinite cease-works agitation from tomorrow until their demands are fulfilled.

Their seven-point charter of demands includes welfare measures like death benefits, social security, pension after 60, and inadequate parking and wayside amenities after every 100 kms including rooms to take rest and sanitary facilities. Till the demands are met, the protests will continue said the Drivers Mahasangh.

Also Read: Odisha Drivers Mahasangha to begin indefinite “steering down” protest from tomorrow