Drivers strike in Odisha called off: Amitabh Thakur Transport Commissioner

Bhubaneswar: The drivers strike has been called off indefinitely in Odisha informed Amitabh Thakur Transport Commissioner on Saturday. The information has been given by the State Transport Commissioner after discussion with the Driver Mahasangha.

The Transport Commissioner said that they have suspended the agitation as the state government has fulfilled the demands of the drivers. The “Quit Steering” protest by the Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangha had started yesterday.

The protest had been done for opposing the new laws on ‘Hit and Run’ cases, over two lakh drivers continue their strike in several locations across Odisha. The driver strike in Odisha by the Drivers’ Union association had entered its second day of protest with vehicles halted at different-different locations in the state.

Previously, the accused in hit and run cases were jailed for two years or a fine was imposed under section 304 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). However, the recent amendment under Section 106 of the Indian Motor Vehicles Act suggests an imprisonment of 10 years or a fine of up to seven lakh rupees for violators of ‘Hit and Run’ cases.

Meanwhile, the jail sentence can be reduced to five years if the offender shows remorse, and in humanitarian grounds. This change in law has sparked an outrage among the drivers across the country. Drivers had resorted to strike in several places across the country, including Odisha.

Further details awaited.

Also Read: Hit And Run Case: Driver Strike From Today In Odisha Informs, Driver Mahasangh