Odisha

Unique Protest By Odisha Drivers Demanding Insurance Coverage, Pension

Bhubaneswar: Drivers from different parts of Odisha have launched a unique protest by prostrating on the road with folded hands while proceeding towards Bhubaneswar for a rally to demand insurance coverage, old age pension and other social security benefits.

Having kick-started their journey from Maa Samaleswari temple in Sambalpur, a large number of drivers have touched several places and already crossed Dhenkanal town with a plan to reach Naveen Niwas, the residence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the state capital.

Stating that the protest has been launched under the banner of Odisha Drivers’ Association, the participants said they have been approaching the state government with an 11-point charter of demands, but there has been no outcome despite assurances from the authorities.

They had also staged a demonstration in the capital city last year demanding compensation from the government for the loss they suffered during the pandemic, but there has been response.

Leaders of the Association said their main demands include insurance coverage of Rs 10 lakh in case of accident and Rs 20 lakh on death, eight-hour duty, recognition as employees of the State Transport Department.

The drivers claimed that they had submitted a memorandum to the chief minister regarding their charter of demands, but no steps have been taken so far.

Besides, they are rendered jobless as the driving licence is not issued to them after attaining a particular age and hence the government should provide pension, they added.

Stating that the drivers in all 30 districts have been protesting to press their demands for a long time, they threatened to intensify the agitation if no step is taken in this regard.

OB Bureau

Recent Posts

Odisha CM Launches 1542 MPACS To Boost Rural Economy Through Cooperatives

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday launched 1,542 Multipurpose Primary Agriculture Cooperatives…

24 seconds ago

Tourist Boat Capsizes Off Goa’s Calangute Beach; One Dead, 20 Rescued

Panjim: Christmas turned tragic for a family from Maharashtra as a 54-year-man died after a tourist…

4 minutes ago

Intense Rain To Lash 7 Odisha Dists Tonight, Yellow Alert For Bhubaneswar & Cuttack

Bhubaneswar: At least seven districts of Odisha are likely to experience zone or two intense…

19 minutes ago

Kriti Sanon’s Fun-Filled Christmas Celebrations With Rumoured Beau Kabir Bahia & ‘Santa Claus’ MS Dhoni

Mumbai: It was a fun-filled and loved-up Christmas for Kriti Sanon. The Bollywood actress took…

35 minutes ago

Centre Releases Rs 455 Cr Finance Commission Grants For Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Union Government has released the 15th Finance Commission Grants for the financial year…

1 hour ago

Warm Welcome For Odisha Team After Finishing Runners-Up In National Women’s Football Championship

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha team returned home on Wednesday after finishing runners-up in the Rajmata Jijabai…

1 hour ago

This website uses cookies.