Drivers trained at the Institute of Driving Training and Research (IDTR) under the SuVahak project by the State Transport Authority Odisha now have access to employment opportunities in Japan. This follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Commerce and Transport Department and Bengaluru-based Navis HR, supported by a Japanese placement company. Navis HR screened 30 out of 180 candidates on July 10, 2024, for the first phase of employment in Japan. These drivers were felicitated by the Minister of Commerce & Transport, Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, in the presence of Principal Secretary Usha Padhee and Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur.
The IDTRs offer comprehensive training programs, including advanced licenses and refresher courses, at no cost to drivers. Thousands have benefitted, particularly from marginalized groups. Under Project SuVahak, launched by the State Transport Authority in collaboration with Palladium, the aim is to enhance the skills of Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) drivers, who account for about 21% of fatal road accidents in Odisha. Up to now, 4,488 new drivers have received training, and 21,964 drivers have undergone refresher courses. Among these, 99 women and six transgender individuals were also trained, providing employment opportunities to 1,254 drivers so far.
“Odisha faces a troubling average of 14 road accidents daily with one of the main reasons being untrained drivers plying the road dangerously. Through project SuVahak we are ensuring that road safety is the first priority for HMV drivers. We are thrilled to see that the project has not only improved road safety in Odisha but has also opened up new employment opportunities for these drivers in Japan,” said Kailas Patil, Director, Palladium India.
The project has achieved notable success with HMV drivers trained under SuVahak maintaining an accident-free record. The recent screening by Navis HR led to the selection of 30 drivers for employment in Japan, including one lady driver. To prepare for their new roles, these drivers will receive training in Japanese language and etiquettes, organized by the Skill Development and Technical Education Department. The cost for this training, INR 2.3 lakh per driver, will be covered by the state government.
“It gives me immense pleasure that we are able to provide employment to our people in a friendly country like Japan. This will enthuse and motivate others too. This will be a regular process,” said Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, Minister of Commerce and Transport, Government of Odisha, during the felicitation ceremony for the 30 drivers from the state.
He continued, “The Transport Department is taking several concrete initiatives under road safety and Project SuVahak (skilled driver) is one of them. There are four Institutes of Driving Training and Research (IDTR) in Odisha which offer comprehensive training programs for drivers with an aim to reduce road accidents and fatalities. 4,488 fresher drivers have been trained and 21,964 drivers received refresher training. The drivers trained under SuVahak are highly skilled and have been appreciated by their employers. They have an accident-free record. NAVIS HR had come with a request to sponsor some drivers for employment in Japan. 30 drivers including one lady driver have been selected for this employment opportunity. For this, Skill Development and Technical Education Department has organized the trainings on Japanese language and etiquettes for the selected drivers. The cost for this training INR 2.3 lakh per driver will be borne by the state government.”
The successful placement of these drivers not only opens up international employment avenues but also sets a precedent in promoting safe driving practices. This initiative by the Commerce and Transport Department stands as a significant milestone in enhancing road safety and providing practical job opportunities for skilled drivers from Odisha.
