Bhubaneswar: Transport services in Odisha continued to be disrupted for the second day on Wednesday as multiple rounds of talks between government and representatives of the striking drivers’ union failed to resolve the deadlock.
Over two lakh drivers on Tuesday launched an indefinite statewide ‘Steering Chhado’ (’quit steering wheel)protest, demanding social security, pensions, accident compensation, and skilled worker recognition.
Several rounds of high-level discussions were held since Tuesday between the state government officials and representatives of the ‘All Odisha Driver Mahasangha’. However, the talks failed to arrive at a concrete resolution to end the ongoing strike by drivers and transportation workers.
Sources said the deadlock persisted despite back-to-back meetings, including marathon talks held at the Transport Minister’s residence and another meeting at Kharavela Bhavan.
Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, who chaired the meetings, said the government has taken the drivers’ demands seriously and assured the agitators that several key proposals are under active consideration.
Among the proposals discussed were the inclusion of auto-rickshaw drivers in the Driver Welfare Board and the construction of toilets along every 100-km stretch of state highways.
Action against those who assault drivers and preferential hiring of Odia drivers in mining zones were also discussed. The government has also shown openness to recognising September 1 as Driver’s Day, one of the symbolic demands raised by the union, the Minister said.
Stressing that constructive discussions took place, the Minister said that the government is committed to improving driver welfare and infrastructure. He also expressed the hope that the drivers will call off their protest soon.
However, the deadlock continued, and the responsibility of calling off the strike now appears to rest with the drivers’ union leadership.
Sources said the absence of union president Prashant Menduli at the meetings, however, added a layer of uncertainty. While 30 district-level representatives of the Mahasangha were present, Menduli was missing.
Treasurer of the union Aditya Behera, who took part in the talks, told reporters that the president of the Mahasangha will announce whether the strike will continue and no decision has been taken so far.
Meanwhile, a Bharat Bandh compounded the woes of daily commuters on Wednesday.
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.