Agartala, 5th August 2026 : Hundreds of members of the Tripura Small Goods Vehicle Drivers Sangha, affiliated with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), organized a Mahakaran Abhiyan on Wednesday, demanding immediate action on a nine-point charter of demands aimed at improving the welfare and working conditions of small goods vehicle drivers across the state.
The rally, in which the Sangha claimed around 2,000 drivers participated, culminated in a deputation to Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury.
Speaking on the occasion, BMS Tripura Pradesh Assistant Office Secretary Chandan Sutradhar said the foremost demand is the early implementation of the New Labour Code in Tripura. He also urged the government to constitute a Workers’ Welfare Board for the benefit of transport workers. Other key demands include the issuance of Ayushman Bharat cards and health insurance coverage for drivers, the introduction of a pension scheme for drivers above 60 years of age, and an end to alleged harassment by traffic police and at various police check-posts.
Sutradhar further demanded strict action against the transportation of goods by passenger vehicles such as tomtoms and auto-rickshaws, alleging that such practices are illegal and adversely affect the livelihood of licensed goods vehicle operators. He said the association has repeatedly brought these issues to the government’s attention and expects prompt action.
Tripura Small Goods Vehicle Drivers Sangha President Gautam Debnath alleged that drivers are facing heavy financial burdens due to fitness-related penalties and what he termed excessive fines imposed in the name of overloading. He claimed that even for carrying small consignments, drivers are often penalized disproportionately. The association also sought relief from accumulated fitness fines and demanded an end to unnecessary harassment at roadside checkpoints.
The delegation expressed hope that the Transport Minister would give due consideration to their demands and take appropriate steps to address the longstanding grievances of small goods vehicle drivers.
