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Drivers'' association launches cease work in Odisha, public transport affected

The article published on ThePrint, titled "Drivers’ association launches cease-work in Odisha, public transport affected," dated October 7, 2024, details a significant disruption in public transportation across the state of Odisha, India, due to a cease-work protest initiated by the Drivers’ Mahasangha, a prominent drivers’ association. This protest, which began on the day of the report, has impacted thousands of commuters, leaving them stranded and causing widespread inconvenience. The article elaborates on the reasons behind the strike, the scale of its impact, the demands of the association, and the response from authorities and other stakeholders. Below is an extensive summary of the content, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of the situation as reported.

The cease-work agitation was called by the Drivers’ Mahasangha to press for a series of demands related to the welfare and working conditions of drivers in Odisha. The association represents a large number of drivers operating various modes of public transport, including buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. Their decision to halt services has led to a near-complete standstill of public transportation in many parts of the state, particularly in urban centers like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, as well as in rural areas where alternative transport options are limited. The article highlights that the strike has affected not only daily commuters but also students, office-goers, and individuals relying on public transport for essential travel, such as medical emergencies.

One of the primary reasons for the protest, as outlined in the report, is the demand for better social security measures for drivers. The Drivers’ Mahasangha has been vocal about the lack of adequate insurance coverage, pension schemes, and financial assistance for drivers, many of whom work long hours under challenging conditions with little to no safety net. The association argues that drivers are often at the mercy of fluctuating fuel prices, high maintenance costs for vehicles, and the absence of government-backed welfare programs. Additionally, the drivers have raised concerns over the increasing incidents of harassment and violence they face from passengers, authorities, and other road users, calling for stricter measures to ensure their safety and dignity while on duty.

Another significant grievance mentioned in the article is the issue of unregulated fares and the economic pressures faced by drivers due to competition from app-based cab services. The rise of ride-hailing platforms has, according to the association, led to a decline in earnings for traditional public transport drivers, as these platforms often offer lower fares that are unsustainable for individual operators. The Drivers’ Mahasangha has demanded that the state government intervene to regulate fares and create a level playing field between traditional transport services and modern app-based alternatives. They have also sought subsidies or financial aid to help drivers cope with the rising operational costs, including fuel and vehicle maintenance.

The impact of the cease-work protest has been profound, with the article describing scenes of chaos at bus stands and auto-rickshaw stops across Odisha. In Bhubaneswar, the state capital, long queues of commuters were seen waiting for any available mode of transport, while many were forced to walk long distances or resort to expensive private alternatives. The report notes that the strike has also disrupted inter-district and inter-city bus services, affecting travelers who rely on these routes for work or personal reasons. In rural areas, where public transport is often the only viable option, the strike has left many villagers stranded, unable to access markets, schools, or healthcare facilities.

The article also sheds light on the response from the state government and transport authorities to the ongoing agitation. While the government has acknowledged the drivers’ concerns, there has been no immediate resolution or concrete action announced at the time of the report. Transport officials have reportedly urged the Drivers’ Mahasangha to call off the strike and come to the negotiation table to discuss their demands. However, the association has remained firm, stating that they will continue the cease-work action until their grievances are addressed in a meaningful way. The lack of a swift response from the authorities has drawn criticism from commuters and opposition political parties, who have accused the government of failing to anticipate and mitigate the impact of the strike on the public.

Furthermore, the report includes perspectives from commuters and other stakeholders affected by the protest. Many commuters expressed frustration over the sudden disruption, with some highlighting the lack of prior notice or alternative arrangements by the government or transport unions. Students, in particular, voiced concerns about missing classes and exams due to the unavailability of transport. On the other hand, some commuters showed empathy for the drivers’ plight, acknowledging the difficult working conditions they endure and the need for systemic reforms to support them. The article also mentions that private vehicle owners and app-based cab drivers have seen a surge in demand during the strike, though their services are often unaffordable for many regular public transport users.

The Drivers’ Mahasangha has indicated that the cease-work protest could be extended if their demands are not met, raising fears of prolonged disruption in Odisha’s public transport system. The association’s leaders have called on the government to prioritize the welfare of drivers, who they describe as the backbone of the state’s transportation network. They have also appealed to the public for support, emphasizing that their agitation is aimed at securing long-term benefits not just for drivers but for the sustainability of affordable public transport as a whole.

In terms of broader implications, the article touches on how such strikes highlight deeper systemic issues within India’s public transport sector. The challenges faced by drivers in Odisha are not unique to the state but reflect a nationwide struggle for better working conditions, fair compensation, and government support in an industry that is often overlooked despite its critical role in daily life. The report suggests that the ongoing protest could serve as a wake-up call for policymakers to address these issues before they escalate further, potentially inspiring similar agitations in other states.

The article concludes by noting that the situation remains fluid, with no clear timeline for resolution at the time of publication. It underscores the urgency of dialogue between the Drivers’ Mahasangha and the state government to minimize the impact on the public while addressing the legitimate concerns of the drivers. The strike in Odisha serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between the needs of service providers and the public, and the importance of proactive governance in managing such conflicts.

In summary, the report from ThePrint provides a detailed account of the cease-work protest by the Drivers’ Mahasangha in Odisha, capturing the reasons behind the strike, its widespread impact on public transport, and the ongoing standoff between the drivers and the authorities. The situation underscores the critical need for reforms in the transport sector to ensure the welfare of drivers while maintaining the accessibility and affordability of public transportation for the masses. At over 1,000 words, this summary aims to thoroughly encapsulate the nuances of the issue as presented in the original article, reflecting the complexity of the challenges faced by all parties involved.

Read the Full ThePrint Article at:
[ https://theprint.in/india/drivers-association-launches-cease-work-in-odisha-public-transport-affected/2683369/ ]