Drivers Stage Symbolic Protest in Dungarpur Demanding Better Rights
Members of the All Driver Welfare Association staged a dramatic protest at the Dungarpur District Collectorate on Tuesday, arriving in chains to highlight the systemic neglect faced by professional drivers across India. Led by District President Ganesh Katara, the group submitted a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister, demanding urgent reforms to address their 30-point charter of social, economic, and legal grievances.
Key Demands for National Reform
The association is calling for significant policy interventions to safeguard the welfare of those who form the backbone of the nation’s logistics and transport sector. Their primary demands include:
- National Driver Day: Declaring September 1 as the official National Driver Day.
- Institutional Support: Establishing a National Driver Commission to oversee the community’s interests.
- Financial Security: A compensation of Rs 20 lakh for families in the event of a driver’s death during a road accident.
- Disability Support: Providing Rs 10 lakh as financial assistance if a driver is permanently disabled while on duty.
A Call for Recognition and Safety
During the demonstration, Ganesh Katara emphasized that despite their critical role in sustaining the country’s economy, professional drivers continue to work under precarious conditions without adequate social protection. He argued that the current transport infrastructure places an immense burden on drivers, who frequently face professional hazards and legal vulnerabilities while on the road.
By presenting these demands to the Additional District Magistrate (ADM), the association has signaled a renewed push for government accountability. The protesters contend that until the state implements robust safety nets and formalizes the rights of drivers, the sector will remain in a state of crisis, failing to provide the dignity and security that these essential workers deserve.
