Dial-112 drivers protest in Patna, demand better salary and service conditions

Patna: Hundreds of Dial-112 emergency service drivers from across the state took to the streets of Patna, demanding an increase in salary and improvements in their service conditions, on Tuesday.

They marched from Gardanibagh to Kargil Chowk, holding the tricolour and chanting slogans against the state govt.Since Aug 25, all Dial-112 drivers have boycotted work, and a complete strike was declared last Wednesday.Dial-112 Ex-servicemen Drivers’ Association president Chandan Kumar and vice-president Dheeraj Kumar Yadav highlighted their grievances in a joint statement. “The drivers were hired on a salary of Rs 25,000 per month three years ago, and have only received a Rs 750 raise so far.

At the time of recruitment, they were assured postings within 10-15 kilometres of their homes, 20 days of annual leave, weekly off days, and insurance coverage.

However, none of these promises have been fulfilled. Even when leave is granted, police stations do not provide relief,” the joint statement read.“Women drivers face additional hardships, being forced to work 12-hour shifts, sometimes while carrying their young children,” Yadav said.

Traffic came to a complete halt from Ramgulam Chowk to JP Golambar, causing trouble for commuters, even as a large number of police force was deployed.Akhilesh Mishra, the SHO of Gandhi Maidan police station, said around three-four different groups protested across the city in major areas like Gandhi Maidan and Dak Bungalow crossing. “No one was detained, and the police controlled the situation smoothly. All the protesters were moved, and there was no disruption,” he said.