Hooghly, 03 November (H.S.): The Bharatiya Private Transport Mazdoor Mahasangh (BMSS) has called for a nationwide movement demanding social security, workplace safety and the formation of a dedicated Welfare Board for transport workers. As part of the movement, members of the organisation and transport workers also held a programme in Arambagh.

Gautam Das, West Bengal in-charge of the organisation, said that workers employed in factories and industrial sectors across the country receive social security benefits such as Employees' State Insurance (ESI), Provident Fund (PF) and mediclaim facilities. However, transport workers remain largely deprived of similar benefits despite facing risks on the roads every day.

He pointed out that in the event of road accidents, vehicle owners and passengers may receive insurance benefits or compensation, while drivers and other transport workers are often left without adequate insurance coverage or compensation. They may also have to face legal cases and other complications following accidents.

According to the organisation, transport workers are frequently made to work continuously for 16 to 18 hours instead of the stipulated eight-hour shift. Additional commissions and financial incentives to reach destinations within fixed deadlines also put extra pressure on drivers, increasing the risk of accidents and fatalities.

The organisation has demanded fixed working hours, social security benefits, accident insurance, compensation facilities and financial protection for workers' families. It has also called for the immediate formation of a separate Welfare Board to safeguard the interests of drivers and other transport workers.

The Bharatiya Private Transport Mazdoor Mahasangh has urged both the Central and State governments to take prompt steps to implement these demands.

Sanjay Saha, state vice-president of the organisation, along with office-bearers from different levels and a large number of transport workers from Arambagh, attended the programme.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey