Bhubaneswar: With the drivers’ strike continuing for second day on Thursday, the Odisha government constituted a task force to monitor the movement of essential commodities.
The government’s step has come in the wake of lack of response from the Drivers’ Ekata Mahamancha, which launched the state-wide agitation since Wednesday, to the chief secretary’s assurance of resolving their issues within 3 months.
The task force is headed by Chief Secretary while Director General of Police, Development Commissioner, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport, Principal Secretary, Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare and Transport Commissioner are its members, according to a release of Commerce and Transport Department.
“The task force would meet as frequently as required and take necessary action to ensure free movements of essential commodities. Three Control Rooms, which would operate for 24×7, have been established,” the release said.
The control rooms are Office of State Emergency Response Centre with telephone number 112; Office of Transport Commissioner (1800-345-1073) and Food Supply & Consumer Welfare Department (0674-239-3644).
The task force held its first meeting on Thursday evening and monitored the current situation. It also initiated various steps to ensure smooth movement of essential commodities. Alternate strategies have been put in place for movement of various commodities including the fuel, to avoid any inconvenience to the public.
Earlier, the members of the Mahamancha held a meeting with the chief secretary in presence of senior officers to discuss their demands. Chief Secretary assured the association to consider and resolve the demands within 3 months.
Also Read: Odisha CS Meets Agitating Drivers, Assures Of Resolving Issues In 3 Months
