Drivers and other staffs of private buses across the State on Monday took to streets demanding compensation for their losses incurred due to the Covid-19 lockdown. They also demanded insurance coverage of Rs 50 lakh for each.
Thousands of bus drivers, conductors and helpers under the banner of the Odisha Motor Vehicle Drivers’ Association staged demonstrations across the State affecting vehicular movements. In Bhubaneswar, Congress leader Suresh Kumar Routray joined the rally at the Baramunda Bus-Stand to support the employees.
When asked, Transport Minister Padmanabha Behera said demands of the association are valid. “There should be insurance for bus drivers and other staffs. They have submitted their memorandum and we have not rejected it. It is under consideration of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. A decision in this regard will be taken keeping in view the current financial situation of the State.”
“All of us have been affected by the lockdown. There is salary cut everywhere. The State’s revenue collection has also decreased. Bus owners were earlier convinced by the Transport Department about restoration of normalcy,” said the Minister.
Notably, private buses have started plying their vehicles from May 28 after a gap of almost two months following announcement of the lockdown after the Government assured them to fulfil their various demands, including tax exemption.