When the Saarthi Moves on the Road, the Nation Moves Forward
Dr. Harish Sabharwal, National President of the All India Motor Transport Congress and General Secretary of the Delhi Contract Bus Association, was invited to participate in a special discussion at the “Desh Ke Super Saarthi” programme, organised by News18 Network and Tata Motors.
During this important programme, Dr. Sabharwal presented his valuable suggestions regarding the current condition of professional drivers (Saarthis), their challenges, dignity, social security, and the need to improve their standard of living. His views were appreciated by the representatives present at the event.
The central theme of the programme was: “Building a Safer, More Inclusive and Dignified Future for India’s Saarthis through the Convergence of Efficiency and Sensitivity.”
The panel discussion was moderated by Ms. Gesu Bhardwaj of CNN-News18 and witnessed the participation of prominent representatives from the Central Government, vehicle manufacturing companies, and the transportation sector.
Shri Ajay Tamta, Hon’ble Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, and Shri Randeep Hooda, renowned film actor, attended the programme as chief and distinguished guests.
The discussion also featured Dr. Veni Mathur, Vice President, Chartered Institute of Transport and Logistics; Shri Ramesh Agarwal, Patron and President of the Drivers’ Welfare Division of the All India Transport Welfare Association; Shri Mohit Kapoor, Chairman of the Projects and Programmes Committee, Indian Warehousing Association; and Shri Tejinder Singh, President, National Drivers’ Joint Front.
Representing the transportation sector, Shri H. S. Bakshi, President, Delhi Contract Bus Association; Shri Vimal Wahi, Vice President, Delhi Contract Bus Association; Shri Gunjit Singh Sangha, Managing Committee Member, All India Motor Transport Congress; Shri Amrik Singh, President, Drivers’ Welfare Committee, All India Motor Transport Congress; Shri Mohan Singh, President, Rajasthan Transport Operators Welfare Association; Shri Ajay Arora, General Secretary, Rajasthan Transport Operators Welfare Association; and several other transport entrepreneurs also participated.
Saarthis Are Not Just Drivers; They Are the Backbone of the Nation’s Economy
Sharing his views, Dr. Harish Sabharwal stated that even when the entire nation is asleep, millions of Saarthis continue to travel day and night on the roads, delivering essential goods to their destinations. Their efforts ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to shops, markets, factories, and the general public.
Despite their invaluable contribution, these hardworking professionals often do not receive the respect and recognition they truly deserve.
He emphasised that Saarthis do not merely drive vehicles; they keep the nation’s economy moving. During the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and other difficult circumstances, they continued to deliver food grains, medicines, and other essential supplies to people, often putting their own safety at risk.
Therefore, it is essential to ensure that they receive a dignified life, safe working conditions, fair income, healthcare facilities, and social security.
Dr. Sabharwal stressed that the Government, vehicle manufacturers, industry representatives, and transport organisations must work together to bring meaningful improvements to the lives of Saarthis and encourage the younger generation to consider this profession.
Key Issues Raised and Suggestions Presented by Dr. Sabharwal
1. Saarthis Must Receive Respect and Recognition
Professional drivers should be recognised not merely as vehicle operators but as respected members of society. Public perception must change, and their contribution to the nation must receive the recognition it deserves.
2. The Government Must Address Their Concerns
Effective policies should be formulated to promote the welfare, social security, and improved living standards of Saarthis. The benefits of these schemes must reach the drivers who genuinely need them.
3. Police and Public Behaviour Must Improve
Drivers should be treated with dignity and humanity on the roads. Discrimination against them must be discouraged, and their concerns should be heard and addressed seriously.
4. The Shortage of Drivers Must Be Addressed
According to the figures presented during the discussion, India has approximately 35 million commercial vehicles but only around 18 million drivers. A long-term strategy must be developed to bridge this significant gap.
5. Young People Should Be Encouraged to Join the Driving Profession
Training centres should be established to equip young people with the necessary skills. They should receive proper training in safe driving, modern technology, and traffic regulations to become skilled and qualified professional drivers.
6. Fair Income and Healthcare Facilities Must Be Provided
Saarthis should receive fair remuneration in accordance with their hard work, along with medical facilities, insurance, and social security. This would enable them to support their families with dignity.
7. Essential Facilities Must Be Available Along National Highways
Clean toilets, secure vehicle parking, rest rooms, eateries, and suitable facilities for preparing and eating meals should be provided along national highways and major transport routes.
8. Companies Should Contribute Through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Major companies should introduce dedicated initiatives under their CSR programmes to support drivers’ health check-ups, medical assistance, insurance coverage, professional training, and family welfare.
9. The Future of Drivers’ Children Must Be Protected
Special schemes should be introduced to support the education of drivers’ children, scholarships, healthcare facilities, and social security for their families, ensuring a more secure future for the next generation.
10. Transport Organisations Must Be Actively Involved
The All India Motor Transport Congress, the Delhi Contract Bus Association, and other transport organisations should play an active role in delivering government schemes to drivers and resolving their concerns.
11. All Stakeholders Must Take Concrete and Collective Action
The Government, vehicle manufacturers, industry representatives, and transport organisations must jointly develop practical initiatives whose benefits directly reach Saarthis and their families.
Efficiency Must Go Hand in Hand with Sensitivity
Dr. Sabharwal stated that improving operational efficiency alone would not be sufficient to bring about meaningful progress. Real change in the lives of Saarthis can only be achieved when efficiency is accompanied by sensitivity, humane treatment, and respect.
He emphasised that safe roads, adequate rest facilities, healthcare services, fair income, and family security are essential for professional drivers. Without these basic provisions, it will be difficult to make the profession attractive to the younger generation.
The All India Motor Transport Congress firmly believes that merely acknowledging the contribution of Saarthis in words is not enough. Concrete action must be taken on the ground to improve their dignity, health, safety, social standing, and overall quality of life.
To achieve this, government policies, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and the efforts of transport organisations must be brought together through coordinated action.
Respect for Saarthis Is Respect for the Entire Nation
Dr. Harish Sabharwal conveyed a clear message: ensuring the dignity of Saarthis, the welfare of their families, and their secure future is a collective responsibility shared by all of us.
When a Saarthi prospers, the family prospers. When families prosper, society becomes stronger, and the nation’s economy moves forward.
The message of the All India Motor Transport Congress is clear: the time has come not only to acknowledge the contribution of Saarthis but also to take concrete steps that bring real and lasting improvements to their lives.
“The nation moves forward when its wheels keep turning, and those who keep these wheels moving deserve the respect they rightfully earn. Our Saarthi brothers are the true heroes of the highways.”
RESPECT THE DRIVER — TAKE PRIDE IN THE NATION!