Thiruvananthapuram: KSRTC's decision to ban dharna and protests in the premises of the chief offices, units and workshops has kicked up a storm of protest from trade unions. A circular issued by KSRTC CMD Tomin J Thachankary on Friday banned processions and protest meetings in the compound of Transport Bhavan which is the headquarters of KSRTC, units and workshop and also the usage of mikes in the premises. Such protests would curb the freedom of movement of commuters, the circular claimed.
On the same day, KSRTC officials had denied electricity to the protest meeting of the pro-UDF Transport Democratic Fund (TDF) inside the KSRTC central bus stand at Thampanoor. The protestors however, arranged electricity from a private firm operating in the premises of the KSRTC commercial complex.
Following the denial of power, KPCC General Secretary Thampanoor Ravi who was the president of the TDF had called Transport Minister A.K. Saseendran to voice his protest. Though, the minister had promised to look into the matter, the order issued by the KSRTC CMD was not revoked, sources said. The earlier precedence was to provide electricity to all meetings organised by recognised trade unions in the KSRTC premises.
The Pro-CPI Kerala State Transport Employees Union has also come out against the decision urging the government to take steps to withdraw the decision. Earlier, also the CMD had wanted the KSRTC to be exempted from political agitations. Earlier this month in a statement, he had urged the government to declare the loss- making Corporation as an essential service and an all-party meet should be convened to discuss the issue.
During hartals, KSRTC was not only unable to operate its services causing huge losses, but incurred damage to buses because protesters also throw stones, he had argued. As hospitals, milk supply and newspapers are considered essential services and exempted from hartals, KSRTC also should be allowed to operate its services, he emphasised.
