Odisha launches welfare scheme for motor vehicle drivers, workers; check details

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has approved a welfare scheme for the motor vehicle drivers and workers in Odisha.

The Chief Minister has also given his nod to a proposal to constitute a welfare board to implement the scheme, said a senior official of the state government.

“The state government has launched the scheme to safeguard the interests of motor vehicle drivers and workers in Odisha. In the initial phase, the state government will provide financial assistance to the welfare board to implement the scheme. Subsequently, the board will augment its resources from registration fees and contributions from the motor vehicle owners,” he added.

In case of death due to road accidents, the welfare board will provide Rs 4 Lakh to the nominee of the deceased driver/worker.

In case of severe injuries, the board will provide Rs 80,000 to the driver or worker.

As per the scheme, the welfare board will provide Rs 2 lakh to the nominee of the motor vehicle driver or worker in case of ordinary death.

Besides, any motor vehicle driver or worker is eligible to get financial assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh in case of permanent disability.

This apart, the motor vehicle drivers and workers will be included under the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) and Madhu Babu Pension scheme of the state government if they fulfill the necessary criteria, said the official.

“Around 5 lakh motor vehicle drivers and workers will be benefited under the welfare scheme. The motor vehicle drivers and workers will have their representatives in the board,” he added.