Indian human rights group seeks mandatory insurance for truck drivers

They are seeking a cover of $18.9k for every truck driver, co-driver, and helper.

India’s National Human Rights Commission is seeking to have India’s Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 amended to provide for the mandatory purchase of personal accident cover for an amount not less than ₹1.5m ($18.9k) for truck drivers, co-drivers and helpers of a commercial truck.

Additionally, the NHRC is also seeking to establish a group insurance scheme providing for life as well as health cover for truck drivers on payment of a nominal subsidised subscription.

This is part of the advisory that the NHRC sent out to the Centre, States and UT Administrations with an aim to protect the human rights of commercial truck drivers.

READ MORE: India general insurance industry doubles growth rate in 2022

“Majority of the truck drivers do not get social security benefits such as provident fund, pension, health insurance, life insurance, gratuity, etc. long working hours, lack of adequate rest and sleep, long absence from family, low salary, non-availability of clean and healthy food in time, the constant threat of exploitation by law enforcement agencies and anti-social elements and high risk of road accidents makes the truck drivers prone to physical and mental stress, drug addiction and irresponsible sexual behaviour,” the NHRC said.