HC asks KSRTC to terminate M-panel staff
KOCHI: Kerala High Court on Friday issued ultimatum to beleaguered government undertaking Kerala Roadtransportcorporation(ksrtc) to terminate forthwith all M-panel employees and refused to extend time for the implementation of the earlier order on 5 December. The court also pulled up KSRTC managing director Tominjthachankaryforholdingpress meet against the High Court order.
The court warned that stern action will be taken against the MD if he fails to terminate M-panel employees immediately. The court also informed that more time will not be allotted to complete the termination procedure. The court warned that KSRTC MD will be summoned before the court if he fails to obey the order.
At a news conference, Thachankary HAD stated that It was Dificult to obey the court order directing to terminate M-panel employees. This invited the wrath of the court.
A division bench comprising Justice Chidambaresh and Justice Pisharody had pronounced an interim order to dismiss over 3500 M-panel employees, who have less than 10 years of service and have worked for less than 120 days a year, within one week.
KSRTC management approached the court seeking more time to complete the termination procedure. In the petition, KSRTC requested to extend the deadline considering exam period and Sabarimala season.
KSRTC management was directed to Inform THE inal DECISION on termination of the employees when the court considers the petition on December 17 again.
Rankholdersofconductortestorganised by the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) had approached the High Court after no appointment was made from the PSC list for conductor post, even after advice memo was issued.
At present KSRTC has 7,800 M-panel employees. If the High Court orders is implemented, 3,600 workers will lose jobs.
M-panel employees are appointed to attend the day to day work when there is a shortage of employees.
KSRTC had earlier submitted a report to the government stating the number of employees in the corporation far exceeds requirements. Even though the employee-job ratio is high in KSRTC, there was a reduction in services due to a lack of employees. The issue came to the notice of the authorities while looking into reasons for employee shortage in various depots.