Bargarh: Bargarh district committee of Odisha Motor Chalak Sangha (a drivers association) Tuesday observed a 12-hour dawn-to-dusk bandh.
The association had given a bandh call in protest against the state government’s neglect towards drivers.
The bandh threw normal life out of gear in Bargarh town and other places of the district.
The protesters were seen visiting government and private offices asking them to close the establishments. Besides, they were seen picketing at several important junctions including Gandhi Chowk of Bargarh town by placing motor vehicles.
Educational institutions, markets, business houses, shops downed their shutters amid the bandh call.
The association has nine demands including formation of a welfare fund for drivers, registration of drivers by labour department, pension facility, Corona Warrior status, Rs 50 lakh ex-gratia for the next of kin of drivers who lost lives to Covid-19 and financial support of Rs 10,000 to drivers as they have lost earnings during pandemic.
PNN