'Truck drivers, should be empowered, given dignity'
Kolkata, June 21: The truck drivers - forming the base of the logistics sector of the country - must be empowered and given dignity, panelists said at a conclave here on Thursday.
"We should make the drivers feel that they equal. When we are working with them we must try to make them feel empowered with training and feel happy and confident from within," said Manisha Mishra, Associate Programme Director of Development Alternatives, who worked on a project for truck drivers.
Federation of West Bengal Truck Operators' Association President Mohinder Singh Gill said the biggest problem in India is that the drivers are looked down upon by the public, police and even by the government machinery, and addressed using abusive language.
"In India, even after Independence if anyone is leading a life full of struggle, it is the truck driver. Neither the Central nor the state governments have paid attention to them.
"In case of an accident, the drivers are accused even if they are not at fault," Gill said at the Sambandh Conclave, the first ever national conclave dedicated to future of Indian truck drivers organised by Seva Kendra Calcutta (SKC) - the social services organization of the Archdiocese of Kolkata.
The Economic Survey 2017-18 estimates that the worth of Indian logistics market would be around $215 billion in next two years, compared to about $160 billion currently, with the implementation of GST. But the drivers who are the base of the sector are still suffering.
"The drivers are marginalised and exploited, even if the balance sheet of the logistics industry is growing. Very few logistic companies train the drivers. Also, the driving schools are not ready to train them," said Stephen Gonsalves, senior consultant of 'Sambandh Project' conducted by SKC.
The organisation conducts awareness camps, sets up health check-up kiosks and tries to sensitize the truck drivers to lead a healthy and hygienic life.
"We along with the Transport Associations must lobby for policy level changes," said Moses Nirmal, Manager of Truck Driver's Enrichment Project, World Vision of India.
Gonsalves shared the story of a driver who once told him "People salute the Jawans of the country as they defend the country, but no one salutes the drivers who bring in the essential food and supplies that are required every day."
Noting it is true that the society discriminates against them, Nirmal advised the drivers to be more confident about themselves and realise they are the ones running the country.
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Centre to support waste recycling start-ups: Union minister Yadav
Mumbai (PTI): Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Saturday said the Centre will provide financial support to the waste recycling start-ups, and also focus on saving energy and water along with banning single-use plastic.
The minister was speaking after taking part in a Beach Cleanup Campaign at the Juhu beach here as part of the International Coastal Clean-up Day.
"The central government will support start-ups for recycling. My ministry has given guidelines for one-time financial support to such start-ups," he said.
"We know how to use nature's products, but forget to recycle them and litter on beaches and roads. Our focus will be on saving energy, water, banning single-use plastic and stopping wastage of food, promoting healthy lifestyle and e-waste disposal," Yadav said.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the state was blessed with a 720 km-long coastline, and keeping it clean will boost tourism.
The economy of several countries is tourism-based, he noted.
The cleanliness drive launched on September 17 at Girgaum Chowpatty in south Mumbai will continue till October 2, he said.
Calling cleanliness as a service, Shinde expressed satisfaction that citizens from all over the state were taking part in the drive in large numbers.
The CM said the deep cleaning drive started by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will restart after monsoons where roads are cleaned with recycled water.
"Due to this drive, pollution has also come down," he said.
Talking to reporters later, CM Shinde said awareness regarding cleanliness has grown ever since the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
