Bhubaneswar: The All Odisha Motor Transport Workers’ Federation called off their strike against the new hit and run law on Monday after having a discussion with Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena.
The federation launched an indefinite strike protesting the new provision made in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on Monday morning. The federation’s move came around 24 hours after the Odisha Driver Mahasangha called off its ‘Quit Steering Wheel’ protest.
The two strikes have severely affected the transportation of petrol, diesel and cooking gas in the State. Due to the back to back protest, the State was leading towards artificial scarcity of patrol, diesel and cooking gas.
The timely intervention by Chief Secretary Shri Jena saved the State from moving towards the crisis.
Shri Jena, who is also known for his crisis management strategy, immediately conveyed a meeting with the Federation President Janardan Pati and secretary Ullash Swain and other senior members.
“We explained to them that the government of India and particularly the union home secretary has already clarified that they will seek opinions and consult with every stakeholder before notifying the new law,” Jena said.
“In view of this clarification by the government of India, we have requested that they call off the strike, and they have agreed to it,” he added.
“Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena had called us for a discussion over our demands. During the discussion, Jena informed that Union home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla has assured that the centre will not implement the new law pertaining to the drivers now and they will take further decisions after consulting the states and different trade unions,” said Pati.
Keeping in this view, the federation has decided to call off the strike, he announced.
As per the provisions in the BNS, drivers who cause a serious road accident by negligent driving and run away without informing police or any official from the administration can face up to 10 years imprisonment or a fine of Rs 7 lakh.
