THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even the Election Commission’s Code of Conduct could not deter KSRTC from transferring its employees, just days after the election notification was issued.
The rule states that such official communications are not allowed once the Commission’s Code of Conduct comes into effect. But the KSRTC management has unceremoniously transferred its employees, especially drivers and mechanics.
The drivers and mechanics in the Malabar area - Nilambur, Malappuram, Perinthalmanna, Kannur and the staff in Kozhikode regional workshop depot bore the brunt as KSRTC transferred them to the South Zone.
The KSRTC employees vouch that it was not a general transfer as only two sections were included. “The KSRTC had published the list on October 6. Just a month ago, a list of requested transfers was also released. But they have not processed it so far. And this transfer came amidst the pending list,” said Thomas P D, a KSRTC driver from the Nilambur depot. Thomas said when they communicated with the General Manager of the KSRTC on the issue, the official responded that the KSRTC management has not received any such intimations from neither the government nor from the Election commission. “But later, we contacted the Managing Director of the KSRTC who responded that he would take steps to freeze the transfers. But till Friday evening, the list was not frozen,” he said.
KSRTC MD Antony Chacko said: “The KSRTC received the intimation from the election commission late. Now, the KSRTC has decided to give one month period for the employees to shift,” he said.
V V Haridas, the State General Secretary of the KSRTE Welfare Association said Chacko’s explanation showed that the list was published after the Code of Conduct came into effect. “Such an action by the KSRTC showed their scant regard for the Election Commission. They just cannot wash their hands off, saying that they did not get intimation from the Commission,” he pointed out.
The association have shot a complaint to the KSRTC MD stating if steps were not taken to freeze the decision, they would approach the Election Commission. “Besides, while compiling such a list, seniority was not considered. Those in the trade union were treated favourably by the corporation,” Haridas added.
Pointing out yet another incident, Haridas said: “This is not the first time, KSRTC’s callous attitude is being revealed. During last Onam some of the KSRTC employees received salary and bonus twice. Rs three and half crores were wasted in this way. This is happening at a time when the KSRTC is paying an interest of nearly 15 per cent on loan to the KTDFC,” he added.