Odisha Govt committed to protecting the interests of drivers: Transport Minister Jena

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is taking significant strides to enhance the welfare of motor vehicle drivers and employees in the state.
Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, during the fourth meeting of the Odisha Motor Transport Drivers and Employees’ Welfare Board on Thursday, announced the launch of an online portal aimed at making welfare services more accessible to drivers and employees.
“The government is fully committed to safeguarding the interests of our drivers and their families. With the launch of this online platform, we aim to streamline processes and ensure that assistance, including membership and compassionate aid, is easily accessible to all, without the need for physical office visits,” said Minister Jena
The newly launched web portal, https://driverwelfare.odisha.gov.in, allows motor vehicle drivers and employees in Odisha to access a range of services, including membership registration and compassionate assistance, entirely online. Minister Jena expressed confidence that this initiative would not only make the system more efficient but also bring in greater transparency.
During the meeting at Kharavela Bhawan, various issues concerning the welfare of drivers were discussed, with a focus on enhancing the existing support mechanisms.
Board member and Bhubaneswar Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, Transport Department Principal Secretary Usha Padhee, Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, Labour Commissioner Indramani Tripathi, civil society members, and representatives of the Drivers’ Association participated in the deliberations.
One of the key points raised by the drivers was the demand for an extension in the age limit for compassionate assistance, from 60 to 65 years. The Minister assured the attendees that the government is keen on ensuring that as many families as possible benefit from this support. A subcommittee will be set up to evaluate the proposal, keeping in mind the relevant guidelines of the Government of India, Labour Department provisions, and other considerations.
The meeting also emphasized the need for more inclusive measures, particularly to extend benefits to auto drivers. The Labour Commissioner informed the participants about the registration system on the Labour Department’s portal, and Minister Jena instructed the department to raise awareness on this facility. He also suggested organizing workshops for the Auto Drivers’ Association to ensure they are well-informed and able to access the benefits.
The Minister reiterated that the state government remains dedicated to the welfare of drivers. “This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to improving the lives of our drivers, who are the backbone of our transportation system,” he said.
Minister Jena thanked all the members for their contributions and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the government, the Welfare Board, and the drivers’ community to achieve tangible improvements in their lives.