Manipur minister for CAF & PD, Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Karam Shyam paying tribute to the deceased drivers in Imphal on January 14.
Newmai News Network
Imphal | January 14
The 29th Driver’ Day was observed today at the Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT), Khuman Lampak in Imphal with CAF & PD, Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Karam Shyam as the chief guest.
The dignitaries and other invitees paid floral tributes to 242 drivers who sacrificed their lives for the public while encountering obstacles in their duties.
Revenue Minister Karam Shyam said that drivers should be proud of their dedicated services.
“All drivers of the state should unite and merge into one body or Labour Union for proper, smooth functioning. This way, they can throw their demands in a better way and the Government will listen to their grievances and take proper measures to redress the same,” he assured.
"I will try my best to allocate a proper land for building an office for the drivers in Imphal East after choking out a strategic location as Imphal West is congested," he said.
“We need to support the drivers, not just showing sympathy,” stated former minister Dr M Nara said. He pointed that it is crucial to increase the present wages of the drivers (not less than Rs.600 per day) and solve issues relating to drivers’ safety and initiating driving school to avoid hazardous accidents. He appealed to the Government to implement the matters concerning their welfare that has been overlooked so far and strongly supported the demand for allocation of land for constructing a proper drivers’ office in Manipur.
Highlighting the dedicated roles of the drivers against all odds and risk factors, General Secretary, AMRTD & MWU, Maimom Anil Meitei appealed to Minister Karam Shyam to see to their needs of constructing an office for the drivers of Manipur as they are right now suffering by functioning out of a rented office.
P Sonamani lauded the contribution of the drivers towards running the daily economic and social activities & normal functioning of the society by bravely bearing the risks of robbery & extortion from militants, excise, forest, Municipality, Police &Narcotics groups and other unexpected dangers on their way. He requested the Government to take note of the matter, understand the importance of the drivers and post around 3-4 IRB battalions along the national highways to ensure safety of the drivers as well as the passengers.
M. Lakshmikumar meanwhile stated that the Transport Department and the PWD should work in co-ordination for the welfare of the drivers in connection with professional hazards like accidents apart from robbery and extortion. Road safety is an important issue that needs to be tackled with extra attention considering the alarming rate of almost more than 50-100 road accidents in a year in Manipur as compared with the overall figure of 1.5 lakhs in the country, he added.
Salam Romen Meitei bagged the Driver of the Year Award that includes a cash prize of Rs.25,000 from M/S Heirangoihong Service and another Rs.5,000 from Minister K Shyam and an excellent certificate. Mutum Maidila Singh, Taithailung Kamei and Mutum Noren Singh were the other 3 nominees for the prize that was selected by lottery.
