Kochi: A top Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) officer removed as executive director (operations) over a week ago has now been posted in an even higher post as its general manager.
“P.M. Sharaf Mohammed has been temporarily assigned the additional charge of general manager,” read an order issued by its managing director.
Mr Mohammed, who was credited with the successful operation of inter-state services, was shifted out for allegedly failing to ensure enough special services in connection with the biggest Christian convention at Mara-mon, Pathanamthitta following a complaint by minister Mathew T. Thomas and Veena George MLA. After that, no charge was given to the official.
However, sources said, the action was taken by the transport department when its MD, M.G. Rajamanickam, was away in Uttar Pradesh on poll duty. Upon his joining back, the MD was of the opinion that his services were needed in policymaking.
Earlier, the decision to oust Mr Mohammed invited criticism from many quarters describing the penal action as too “harsh”.
“The decision was taken even as the officer was doing a good job in the rescheduling of services so as to increase their daily revenue collection to a minimum Rs 10, 000. He didn’t make additional postings at Maramon unit to avoid unnecessary expenses,” said an official on condition of anonymity.
Earlier, the management had changed standing counsel too after over eight years and appointed a new agency to look into legal issues.
