Burla: Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) has been in the news thanks to the steps taken by its director a couple of months ago. Still, the premier institute has some outstanding problems that need his attention. One of them is its hearses.
VIMSAR has two hearses. The rule book says there must be two drivers for one vehicle. But, here, one driver manages two vehicles. He is allegedly being made to do round-the-clock duty, putting the lives of passengers and self at risk. At times when the lone driver becomes sick, the entire facility comes to a halt. Due to shortage of drivers, one vehicle remains idle.
Moreover, while a driver generally gets a salary of Rs 8000 per month, the driver here is paid Rs 6,500. He does not get food allowance though there is a provision for it.
As per rules, hearse is provided free of charge to those who are below poverty line. In case of non-BPL families, Rs 7 per kilometre is collected. With only one hearse available for families belonging to both categories, at any given point in time, the demand for the vehicle is very high. Often the kith and kin of the deceased have to spend more money on taking bodies in private vehicles. Depending on the demand, private vehicle owners fleece the families of the deceased.
Locals demanded that at least one more driver should be appointed to smoothly run the facility, which is managed by Red Cross from recruiting driver to managing the vehicles, it is learnt.
Despite several attempts, Prof Aswini Pujahari, director, VIMSAR, could not be reached. PNN
