Bhubaneswar, Jul 8: The Odisha Drivers Mahasangh launched an indefinite "steering down" protest today.
The members of the Drivers Mahasangh from across Odisha participated in this statewide protest, which is aimed at pressing the government to fulfill their seven-point charter of demands.
The protest witnessed a complete cease-work from bus, truck, and auto-rickshaw drivers across the state, except for those providing emergency services. The indefinite agitation will continue until the association's demands are met.
The seven-point charter of demands includes key welfare measures, such as death benefits, social security, pensions for drivers after the age of 60, and improved parking and roadside amenities every 100 kilometers.
In response, the Transport Workers’ Union has expressed opposition to the "steering-down" protest. They argued that while there are 35 different driver associations in the state, it is only the Odisha Drivers Mahasangh that has called for the strike, and that their demands are primarily focused on their own benefits.
