Policy for drivers mooted on Drivers' Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 14 2013: Formulation of State Drivers' policy for the welfare of the drivers' community was mooted during the drivers' day observance function held at ISBT Complex, Khuman Lampak under the aegis of All Manipur Petroleum Tanker Drivers' Union today.

Speaking as the chief guest of the function, Education Minister M Okendro noted the valuable contributions made by drivers to the people of the State and at the same time observed the absence of drivers' policy in the State.

Highlighting the priceless services rendered by the drivers against all odds, M Okendro also stressed on the need to address the grievances of the drivers.

He said drivers execute their duties sincerely amidst bad road conditions, threats, assault and other life-threatening hazards.

The Minister also exhorted all concerned drivers' unions of the State to submit collective proposals to the Government highlighting their predicaments adding that the Government would see to fulfil the proposals of the drivers.

Tributes paid to drivers who have left for their heavenly abodes

In order to ease the problem arising due to lack of proper parking place for FCI truckers, construction of an open space for parking and recreation of drivers is about to be completed at FCI Godown complex, Oken said adding that the same may be completed within March this year.

This apart, there is also a plan to construct parking and recreational space for drivers at another location, the Minister informed.

MLA T Mangibabu; State level coordinator of IOC Ltd, Kh Ibobi and Senior Depot Manager of IOC Ltd Imphal, SI Singh graced the programme as the guests of honour while President of All Manipur Petroleum Tanker Drivers' Union, Y Bhupenchandra Ghosh was the president of the function.

Fitting tribute was also paid to 61 departed drivers, five deceased handymen apart from honouring four veteran drivers and eight retired tanker drivers.

The All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Works' Union has also celebrated its 24th Drivers' Day at Langjing Achouba Truck Parking today.

The celebration programme was graced by Works and Transport Minister, Kh Ratankumar; and president of AMRTD and MWU as the chief guest and president respectively.

Former Minister N Mangi; social worker O Henary; Dy Labour Commissioner, E Tomba; AITUC secretary, Comrade L Sotinkumar; general secretary of TDC; Ng Haridash; general secretary of TOWAM, Y Lokeshor have also attended the function as the guests of honour while president of UCNH, Th Samakhaba Singh was the special guest.

A dignitary speaking at a Drivers' Day observance organised by All Manipur Road Transport Drivers' and Motor Workers' Union at Langjing

Speaking at the occasion, Works and Transport Minister, Kh Ratankumar said truck drivers are not only donning the normal role of driver but taking risk of the present situation of the State.

Emphasising on the impressive deeds of drivers for the people of the State, the Minister said their contribution should be embedded in the minds of the people while also calling upon the people to share the pains and pangs of the drivers.

Paying floral tributes to departed drivers and handymen marked the function that was also attended by family members of deceased truckers.