Bhubaneswar: As many as 5 lakh drivers will participate in an indefinite strike announced by Odisha Driver Ekata Mahamanch (Drivers’ Association) announced today. Drivers from across 314 blocks in 30 districts will take part in the strike with a 10-point charter of demands which includes social security, including pension after age 60, insurance, and death benefits.
They also want post-accident compensation for drivers, as well as, rest stops every 100 kilometres. The Drivers’ Association has warned that only emergency vehicles would be permitted to travel on public roads during the agitation. All vehicles with yellow registration plates will not move, the association members said.
However, All Odisha Bus Owners’ Association (AOBOA) will not participate in the aforementioned strike. As the strike is very likely to impact the movement of passenger buses, AOBOA members met DG Police to discuss law and an order issues and requested for the security of the vehicles and passengers.
Similarly, the Odisha Motor Chalak Sangha will also not join the drivers’ strike. The Odisha Driver Ekata Mahamanch is an umbrella association of drivers of different motor vehicles such as trucks, cabs, ambulances, auto-rickshaws, buses and other transport vehicles.
