Finance
Following a four-day strike, private buses have resumed service throughout Odisha, bringing relief to thousands of customers.
According to reports, the buses are currently operating on a variety of routes, including Bhubaneswar, Puri, Cuttack, Kendrapara, and Sambalpur, among others.
The walkout was organized by the Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangh, which had demanded written assurances from the state government on a number of problems. Following negotiations with the government, the private bus owners’ group opted to prioritize passenger interests and resume bus service.
The bus owners’ organization stated that it would no longer support the Driver Mahasangh’s strike, which has created considerable inconveniences for passengers and financial losses for bus operators. Passengers may now travel more conveniently since bus services have resumed.
It is worth noting that the Odisha Driver Mahasangh has issued a list of demands, including the inclusion of auto drivers on the Odisha Motor Transport Drivers and Workers Welfare Board. In addition, they are seeking pension benefits for drivers over the age of 60.
The Mahasangh also demands that drivers killed in accidents receive Rs 20 lakh in insurance coverage. In comparison, people injured in accidents should receive Rs 5 lakh for medical treatment. Furthermore, they want facilities and toilets built every 100 kilometers to safeguard drivers’ safety while driving long distances.
Other proposals include limiting driving hours to reduce tiredness, lowering the driving license fee to less than Rs 15,000, and reserving 70% of driver positions in mines, quarries, and industries for local drivers.
