Drivers begin indefinite 'Leave the Steering' strike over 15 demands; vehicles off road in Panna

Vehicle drivers across the country began an indefinite "Steering Chhodo Abhiyan" (leave the steering campaign) on Thursday, 12 November. The agitation is over a 15-point charter of demands, and its effect was seen in Panna, where vehicles remained parked.

The campaign is being run under the banner of the All India Driver Joint Committee and the Sampurna Bharat Vahan Chalak Kalyan Ekta Sangathan. Both organisations say the strike will continue until the demands are met.

Kamlesh Yadav, vice-president of the state drivers' association, and Mahendra Agnihotri, president of the Panna district drivers' association, outlined the demands. According to them, a driver safety law should be enforced at the national level, and separate driver commissions should be set up at the Centre and in the states. A driver welfare board is also being demanded. The drivers want accident insurance and life insurance to be provided free, along with a pension and social security after the age of 55.

The agitating drivers have also demanded a special health card and cashless treatment in all government hospitals. They say national and state highways should also have safe rest houses, parking zones, clean toilets and food at concessional rates.

The drivers say they play an important role in the country's economy, but their problems and needs are being ignored. The organisations have warned that the agitation will be expanded if the government and the administration do not take the demands seriously.