Bhubaneswar: Transport services witnessed severe disruptions in Odisha on Tuesday with over 2 lakh drivers joining the indefinite statewide ‘Steering Chhado’ (’quit steering wheel’) protest, demanding social security, pensions, accident compensation, and skilled worker recognition.
The agitators under the aegis of Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangha are opposing the state’s move to grant vehicle-checking powers to the police. This apart, the seven-point charter of demands include inclusion of auto drivers in the Odisha Motor Transport Drivers and Workers Welfare Board, pension benefits for drivers over 60, Rs 20 lakh insurance for drivers killed in accidents, Rs 5 lakh for injured drivers’ medical treatment, restrooms every 100 km, regulated driving hours, reduced license fees below Rs 15,000, and reserving 70% of driver jobs in mines, quarries, and factories for locals.
The Mahasangh also seeks to declare September 1 as National Drivers’ Day to acknowledge their contribution to the transport sector.
The protest to highlight driver welfare, policy, and infrastructure issues is being supported by trade unions and Left-wing parties. “We are holding a peaceful protest along the streets of the capital city. The union will appeal to drivers to participate in the protest, but those involved in emergency services and food delivery services will be given way. We will ensure that no inconvenience comes to the public,” said union’s president, Prashant Menduli.
Though peaceful, the strike is causing inconvenience to passengers with buses remaining off road. “Today, as you must have noticed, no driver has taken the steering wheel since morning. All the buses are parked at their respective stands. We apologize to the public for the inconvenience caused…,” District Private Bus Owners’ Association Manas Samal told the media.
Sources said that authorities have urged resumption of services, and some buses also began operations later with police support. Several unions have also distanced themselves from the strike. “Out of the 35 state-level drivers’ unions, only two, including Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangha, have launched the protest. We are not part of it as the demands are mostly unjustified,” All Odisha Road Transport Workers Mahasangha organising secretary, Santosh Sahu, was quoted as saying.
In reaction to drivers’ protest, Odisha Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena said, “The government will summon them (drivers) for a discussion regarding their demands today. Travellers are facing difficulties. The government will try to resolve the issue through dialogue.”