Bhubaneswar: In view of the ongoing state-wide strike by drivers, the Odisha government constituted a Task Force to ensure free movement of essential commodities.
While Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena is the chairman of the Task Force, the Director General of Police; Development Commissioner; Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport; Principal Secretary, Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare and Transport Commissioner have been made the Task Force’s Members, said an official press release.
The Task Force would meet as frequently as required and take necessary action to ensure the free movement of essential commodities. Three Control Rooms (24×7) have been established. The detail of the Control Rooms are as follows: State Emergency Response Center, Tel. No. 112; Office of the Transport Commissioner, Tel. No. 1800-345-1073; and Food Supply & Consumer Welfare Department, Tel No. 0674-2393644.
The Committee held its first meeting today evening and monitored the current situation. Various steps have been initiated by the Task Force to ensure the smooth movement of essential commodities.
Alternate strategies have been put in place for the movement of various commodities including fuel, to avoid any inconvenience to the public.
Meanwhile, office bearers and members of the agitating Driver Ekata Mahasangha met the Chief Secretary in presence of senior officers to discuss their demands.
Chief Secretary assured the Mahasangha to consider and resolve the demands appropriately, within 3 months.
The Drivers’ Association has indicated to cooperate and consider the assurance.
