Bihar Truck Drivers Stage Day-Long Protest in Buxar Over Long-Pending Demands
In a significant demonstration of discontent, truck drivers in Buxar district, Bihar, organized a day-long protest on Monday near Buxar Kawaldah Pond on Station Road. The protest was called by the Bihar Drivers’ Federation to highlight the pressing issues faced by drivers across the region.
Protest Led by Federation Leaders
The demonstration was spearheaded by Manoj Kumar Pal, the district president of the Bihar Drivers’ Federation. During the event, drivers raised slogans and appealed to the government to address their grievances, which have been neglected for years.
Addressing the gathering, Pal emphasized that even after 78 years of Independence, drivers in India continue to endure severe hardships. He pointed out the lack of basic amenities such as proper parking spaces, accommodation, and toilet facilities along national highways, making their profession increasingly challenging.
Health and Safety Concerns Highlighted
Pal also drew attention to critical health issues affecting drivers. He noted that many drivers aged between 50 and 55 suffer from vision problems due to the glare from high-beam headlights of oncoming vehicles. This not only jeopardizes their safety but also impacts their ability to continue working effectively.
In response, the federation demanded the introduction of a pension scheme for drivers to provide financial security in their later years.
Key Demands Outlined in Memorandum
Following the protest, a delegation of drivers submitted a detailed 15-point memorandum to the District Magistrate (DM), outlining their demands. The key points include:
- Declaring the death of a driver in a road accident as a disaster.
- Establishing a drivers’ commission and creating a drivers’ welfare fund.
- Providing compensation of Rs 20 lakh for accidental death and Rs 10 lakh for disability.
- Implementing a pension scheme for drivers after the age of 60 years.
- Introducing a housing scheme offering Rs 5 lakh for drivers.
- Ensuring special reservation for drivers’ children in higher education.
- Constructing rest rooms, toilets, and parking facilities along national highways.
Additional Demands for Driver Welfare
The memorandum also included several other critical demands aimed at improving the overall well-being and safety of drivers:
- Installation of front and rear recording cameras in vehicles to enhance safety.
- Ensuring the safety of Bihar’s drivers working in other states.
- Granting drivers the status of Class-II soldiers to recognize their contribution.
- Declaring September 1 as Drivers’ Day to honor their service.
- Enacting stricter laws to protect drivers’ safety on the roads.
- Requiring vehicle owners to provide insurance cover of Rs 20 lakh for drivers.
- Reserving one ICU bed for drivers in all government hospitals.
- Issuing health cards along with driving licences for regular health check-ups, similar to the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Support from Federation Members
The protest saw the participation of key federation members, including district secretary Vinod Chaudhary and district treasurer Mallu Chaudhary, along with numerous other drivers from the region. Their collective presence underscored the unity and determination of the driving community to seek meaningful reforms.
This protest in Buxar highlights the ongoing struggles of truck drivers in Bihar and their urgent call for government intervention to improve their working conditions and ensure a better quality of life.
