THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is all set to weed out “undeserving” employees occupying key positions. It will conduct a survey to identify genuine workers employed in the ‘other duty’ category in addition to manipulations in the ‘dying in harness’ scheme. The KSRTC CMD has sought legal advice in this regard. The corporation has initiated the step realising that many employees - mainly drivers and conductors - have been enjoying the benefit of ‘other duty’ works using fake medical certificates, which suggest that they should be given only light duties.
In the case of ‘dying in harness’ scheme, many employees who joined the corporation as peons, sweepers and conductors have obtained a category change based on their request. They now work in the chief office and unit offices in various categories for which they are not eligible. KSRTC CMD Tomin J Thachankary has written to the corporation’s legal adviser seeking his opinion in the issue. In the letter, the CMD has asked for a detailed opinion on the feasibility of shifting out employees who joined through the ‘dying in harness’ scheme. Opinion has also been sought on the employees on ‘other duty’.
“It was reported that many such ‘dying in harness’ appointments are made against the state government’s directives. Misusing the leniency given by the corporation in offering light duty to employees who undergo accidents during the course of their duty, many employees obtain medical certificates and seek light duty. After the survey, the corporation will withdraw the fake employees and send them back to their original post,” said Thachankary.
More and more conductors and drivers opting for light duty could adversely affect the corporation’s revenue, as it would hamper daily operations. Only genuine cases where employees are unable to indulge in strenuous work will be considered, said Thachankary. The KSRTC’s administrative wing has been directed to prepare a list of genuine cases of disabled employees. The survey will also look into employees working in the chief office and unit offices under the ‘dying in harness’ scheme.