Odisha Govt Initiates Action for Welfare of Drivers in Unorganized Sector

Bhubaneswar: In another step towards inclusive development, the Odisha Government has initiated actions for welfare of the drivers working in the unorganized sector. This was discussed in a high level meeting held under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra in Lokseba Bhawan conference hall wherein Principal Secretary Commerce and Transport Bishnupada Sethi outlined the legal and financial issues for discussions.

Considering different contours of the issue, Chief Secretary Mahapatra directed the department to draft a comprehensive action plan in the perspectives of Odisha Motor Transport Workers Rule. Sri Mahapatra also directed to propose amendment to the existing rules for facilitating roll out of the welfare measures. The departments of Commerce and Transport and Law were asked to examine details of the legal, financial and administrative aspects for making the scheme smooth and seamless. It was decided to assess the number of drivers working in the transport organizations. Transport Commissioner was asked to draft the scheme and required amendments in the Rules in about a week.

Principal Secretary Commerce and Transport Bihnupada Sethi, Principal Secretary Finance Vishal Kumar Dev, Transport Commissioner Arun Bothra, along with senior officers from concerned departments participated in the deliberations. Secretary Labor and ESI Chitra Arumugam, and Labor Commissioner Dr. N. Thirumala Naik joined the deliberation through video conferencing.