Gangtok, Jul 27 (PTI) Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Sunday announced a medical insurance scheme for licenced commercial taxi drivers in the state, offering a Rs 5 lakh coverage per year to each beneficiary.

Initially, around 5,000 drivers will be covered, and in future, more beneficiaries will be included under the scheme, he said.

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"Under the proposed scheme, licenced commercial taxi drivers, operating within Sikkim, will get a medical insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh per year for hospitalisation due to illness or accidents," he said while addressing the seventh Sarathi Samman Diwas here.

Tamang also appreciated the drivers' tireless service, resilience and contributions to society and wished the very best for them and their families.

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Whether government employees or private transport operators, or truck and tourist vehicle drivers, all of them keep the economy moving with hospitality and grace, he said.

The chief minister also hailed women drivers for their service and said all of them balance their responsibilities at home and workplace, demonstrating courage, confidence and strength.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)