Kerala State Road Transport Corporation shows door to Executive Director Operations

Kochi: In a surprise decision, another personnel change at the top level of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) was effected when P M Sharaf Muhammed was removed from the post of the executive director (operations) on Monday. “G Anil Kumar, currently serving as the chief traffic manager, chief office, will hold the additional charges of ED (operations),” an order in this regard said. According to sources, Muhammed who was credited with successful operation of inter-state services, was shifted out for allegedly failing to ensure enough additional bus services in connection with the biggest Christian convention at Maramon, Pathanamthitta, that began on Sunday.

“As part of increasing revenue, the corporation has recently included a policy to operate maximum services during religious festivals and events like Sabarimala pilgrimage season. Though additional services were operated, the charge against the officer is that he failed to appoint Special Officer at Maramon Unit and thus failed to ensure effective conduction of the services,” sources said. The decision has evoked criticism from many quarters which saw the penal action as too “harsh”.

“The decision was taken even as the officer was doing a good job in rescheduling of services so as to increase their daily revenue collection to a minimum Rs 10, 000. He didn't made additional postings at Maramon Unit to avoid unnecessary expense," said an official on the condition of anonymity. Two weeks back, the management had changed the standing counsel too and appointed a new agency to look into legal issues.