'Adarani' drivers call off strike in Guwahati

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The drivers of 'Adarani' - an ambulance service under the JSSK (Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram) - have put on hold their agitation following an assurance from NHM (National Health Mission) Assam Mission Director Dr Lakshmipriya to solve their problems. The Adarani drivers fear that the government may close the scheme as the State Cabinet decided to provide transportation costs to maternity patients. During their protest at the NHM Assam office in the city today, the NHM Assam Mission Director assured them of meeting their demands.

The demands of Adarani drivers are - the cancellation of the move to close the Adarani Service, implementation of the minimum salary for them, social security like PF, ESI, gratuity etc., the implementation of duty hours as the Labour Act and overtime allowance for over duty, expansion of the Adarani Scheme for the welfare of people, the release of arrears salaries etc.

All Assam Adarani Drivers' Association general secretary Nurul Amin said, "We, around 350 drivers, are working in this scheme. Many of our drivers have not received their salaries for four-eight months. We have suspended our agitational programme following an assurance from the NHM Assam Mission Director regarding our demands."

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