Drivers are “The ambassadors of the State”: Ugen T Gyatso
Gangtok, Jan 20: (IPR)
North Eastern Government Drivers Forum 3rd Convention was held at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok today.
The programme was graced by Minister for Tourism & Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim, Ugen T Gyasto as the chief guest.
The program had the presence and participation of Additional Chief Engineer Transport Department, Government of Sikkim D.Sherpa, General Secretary, All Sikkim Government Drivers Association(ASGDA), G. Tamang, President of All Sikkim Government Drivers Association(ASGDA) S.Zangpo, President of North East Government Drivers Federation Forum( NEGDF)Shri K. Ibomcha Sharma, Secretary General All India Government Driver Federation Forum( AIGDF) N.Singh, President of All India Government Driver Federation Forum(AIGDF) M.R. Banshi along with other dignitaries and delegates from all North East States.
Addressing the programme, Minister Ugen T Gyatso welcomed all the delegates from the North Eastern States and hoped that they take very productive and positive message from Sikkim. He said that drivers are “The ambassadors of the State” as they are among the first contact persons in the State for any visitor. He added that drivers should have the ability to maneuver the vehicle safely in high traffic and adverse weather condition and interpersonal skills along with a warm approachable manner, good technical knowledge of vehicles.
Since driver means “Discipline Respect Intelligent Vision Efficient Responsibility” there should not be discrimination against drivers. He stated that women driver should also be looked as an example of women empowerment.
He briefed about the recent implemented programme about the “One Job One Family” scheme implemented by the step and added that it is the first of its kind program in the world. He highlighted that in case of an accidental death of a driver belonging to any State, an ex-gratia sum of Rupees five lakh is given on the spot.
He further requested to All Sikkim Government Drivers Association not only to focus on Government sector but also to focus on private drivers, mainline taxi driver’s association etc.
Earlier President of All Sikkim Government Department Association S.Zangpo had submitted a memorandum to Minister Ugen T. Gyatso, where all the grievances were laid down. He said that drivers appointed on regular establishment till their retirement drivers are stagnant on same post and requested for the provision of promotional benefit. He further stated that the drivers are provided with the benefit of Grade Upgradation for three years ie, on interval of ten twenty and thirty years which is not at par with the benefit that other Government Employees are provided with. He further expressed that since twenty five years and above all shall be having same gradation, thus on selection, gradation system be implemented to the post of Inspector so that same could be benefited by the Drivers which would be equivalent to other skilled employees serving under Government of Sikkim.
President of North East Government Driver Federation Forum K. Ibomcha Sharma said that there should be ” Equal Pay For Equal Work” quoting an example between central government driver and Manipur government driver. He appreciated the steps taken by the Government of Sikkim for the Government drivers.
Secretary General All India Government Driver Federation Forum Shri N.Singh in his address said that it is a national body for drivers through which all drivers come together and assist in developing strategies so that they can put their respective proposals at the centre level.
M. R Banshi President of All India Government Driver Federation Forum said that all the States should participate in Shanti March both in state wise and at the National level. He further expressed that every year June 19th should be observed as “Drivers Diwas” as it will be completing its 25 years as Silver Jubliee.
The programme also witnessed the felicitation from SNT drivers and conductors to Shri N.R. Banshi,President of AIGDF, and to President and General Secretary of six North Eastern States. N Singh and group were also given memento. Later Shri G.Tamang, General Secretary, All Sikkim Government Drivers Association was appointed as Publicity Secretary of All India Government Driver Federation Forum.