Transport Minister underscores drivers' contributions
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 14 2023:
Highlighting the contributions of drivers in the State's socioeconomic life, Transport Minister Khashim Vashum has asserted that all Ministers, Government officers and the public ought to appreciate and respect the immense contributions of drivers.
The 34th Drivers Day was observed today at Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT), Khuman Lampak under the aegis of the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers Union and the Joint Coordination Committee Drivers Day Observation.
The gathering offered floral tributes to photographs of 334 expired drivers.
Moreover blankets and shawls were distributed to over 1000 drivers and family members of drivers who were killed on duty.
All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers Union president Y Naoba, Transporters and Drivers Council vice-president Kh Ibotombi and leaders of many other transport organisations attended the function.
Speaking at the gathering, Transport Minister Khashim Vashum said that drivers have been shouldering a key responsibility in the socioeconomic life of the State.
It depends on the drivers whether people can live at ease or suffer all kinds of difficulties, he said.
All the people ought to appreciate and respect the selfless services rendered by drivers.
One can go to the hills from the valley and vice versa only with the help of drivers, Khashim Vashum said.
He said that the Government is aware of the difficulties faced by bus drivers including MST drivers in connecting remote places to the State capital.
It is because of the dedication and sacrifice of drivers that essential commodities can be transported to the State without interruption, he remarked.
He then appealed to all drivers to maintain discipline and abide by the State Government's rules and guidelines.
The Transport Minister stated that he would consult the Chief Minister and see what can be done for the welfare of drivers.
The Government has been planning to develop some waiting sheds equipped with toilets and food stalls along National highways and State highways where drivers can take rest for brief periods, Khashim Vashum said Textiles, Commerce and Industries Minister Nemcha Kipgen said that the difficulties encountered by drivers in the State are too many but it is with the help of drivers that the people of Manipur live with comfort.
Saying that the Drivers' Day is a very important day, Nemcha Kipgen appealed to all the drivers to take care of their health.