Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The state government’s plan to give the Police Department more authority to examine motor vehicles has prompted the All Odisha Bus Owners’ Association (AOBOA) to threaten a nationwide bus strike on December 1. The group claims that private bus operators are deeply concerned about the plan. Expanding police power in vehicle enforcement might result in needless harassment of bus operators, more penalty-driven activities, and even interruption of bus services throughout the state, AOBOA General Secretary Debendra Kumar Sahu warned reporters. He noted that due to extensive corruption and abuse of authority, a similar attempt undertaken over forty years earlier had to be reversed. Since then, police have not been directly involved in motor vehicle inspections.
Sahu explained that the group is in favor of enforcement actions under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act because they help lower the number of fatal traffic accidents. These actions include taking action against reckless driving, seatbelt and helmet violations, and triple riding. He did, however, voice worry that police authorities have been progressively extending their power beyond what was originally planned.
In June, the group sent a message to the state government asking Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to reevaluate the idea. The Odisha Drivers Mahasangh organized a nationwide “steering surrender” protest by commercial truck drivers on July 8 in response to the same issue; however, the demonstration was called off before President Droupadi Murmu’s July 14 visit to the state. To debate the future steps, AOBOA has set a General Body meeting for November 25. Sahu warned that private bus services throughout Odisha will completely stop on December 1 if the government proceeds with legally granting the police these further inspection authority.
