Bhubaneswar: As many as 5 lakh drivers will take part in an indefinite strike announced by Odisha Driver Ekata Mahamanch (Drivers’ Association) Wednesday, claimed the association’s spokesperson in Bhubaneswar Tuesday.
However, All Odisha Bus Owners’ Association (AOBOA) has disavowed the Drivers’ Association’s call for an indefinite strike.
According to the senior members of AOBOA, the ongoing strike could hinder the usual operation of 14,000 passenger buses in Odisha.
Senior members of All Odisha Bus Owners’ Association met with Director General of Police (DGP) Tuesday to discuss law and an order issue that is expected because of the strike and also requested sufficient security for passenger buses that will operate across the state Wednesday.
On the other hand, Drivers’ Association has warned that only emergency vehicles would be permitted to travel on public roads during the agitation as per their 10-point charter of demands.
The Drivers’ Association has made several demands such as – social security, including pension after age 60, insurance, and death benefits. The Drivers’ Association spokesperson said that the strike will continue indefinitely until all of their 10-point charter of demands are accepted by the state government.
They also want post-accident compensation for drivers, as well as, rest stops every 100 kilometres.
On the other hand, Odisha Motor Chalak Sangha has declared that its members will not join the drivers’ strike.
It can be mentioned here that 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.
PNN