Chirag Gupta
Patna: The Bihar government has approved the Mukhyamantri Driver Welfare Scheme-2024, aimed at ensuring the safety, health, and overall welfare of commercial drivers and their families. The initiative includes free registration, medical benefits, insurance coverage, and training opportunities to enhance the efficiency and livelihoods of drivers.
Under the scheme, drivers of buses, trucks, autos, taxis, e-rickshaws, and small cargo vehicles who operate in Bihar will be provided with unique identity cards after free registration. Registered drivers and their families will benefit from health insurance under the Ayushman Bharat and Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana, with free treatment of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year in listed government and private hospitals.
The program also emphasises skill development and road safety awareness. Free heavy motor vehicle training will be provided at IDTR Aurangabad for drivers of light vehicles, enabling them to obtain HMV licenses and increase their income. Refresher training sessions and safety awareness programs will be conducted periodically to promote safe driving practices and familiarise drivers with updated traffic regulations.
Additional benefits include monthly health check-ups, eye camps with free glasses, driver rest sheds, and awareness initiatives on infectious diseases. Registered drivers will also be enrolled in the e-Shram portal to ensure broader welfare access. District-level transport offices will facilitate registrations and provide necessary assistance to applicants.
The scheme, monitored by committees at both state and district levels, is a major step by the Bihar government to improve the lives of drivers and their families while contributing to road safety and economic growth in the state.
