Naveen Approves Welfare Scheme For Motor Vehicle Drivers & Workers

Bhubaneswar: For the benefit of motor vehicle drivers and workers, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday approved a welfare scheme and the proposal for formation of a welfare board to implement the scheme.

Following the chief minister’s approval, Commerce and Transport Minister Tukuni Sahu launched the scheme at a function attended by the motor vehicle drivers and workers in Bhubaneswar.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said the board, which will be initially funded by the Odisha government, will administer the scheme by collecting funds from registration fee collection, transport vehicle owner contributions and other sources.

Initially the following facilities will be provisioned for transport drivers and other workers:

• In case of death due to road accidents, Rs 4 lakh to be paid to the nominee of the deceased driver/employee.
• In case of severe injuries, Rs 80,000.
• In case of permanent disability, Rs 1,50,000 to be paid to the motor transport driver or employee.
• In case of ordinary death, Rs 2 lakh to the nominated person.

Besides, the drivers and workers will be eligible for inclusion in Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), Madhu Babu Pension Scheme etc.

Sahu said more than 5 lakh motor vehicle drivers and workers in the state will benefit from the scheme.

The welfare board to be constituted for the purpose will have government members as well as representatives of motor transport drivers/other workers.