KSRTC MD alleges staff indulges in fraudulent activities

Recently, it was decided to lay off several employees as a matter of cost-cutting and it was then found out that several KSRTC workers used to be involved in corruption such as smuggling fuel and tampering with the ticketing machine.

Thiruvananthapuram:The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is going through a severe crisis and the permanent employees further are pushing it into debt by indulging in fraudulent activities, alleged Managing Director Biju Prabhakar.

Recently, it was decided to lay off several employees as a matter of cost-cutting and it was then found out that several KSRTC workers used to be involved in corruption such as smuggling fuel and tampering with the ticketing machine.

Talking to the media on Saturday, Biju Prabhakar added that even though the KSRTC never lays off its workers, it has become important given the financial crisis the organization is reeling under.

He added that the day to day operations of the depots at many places is being carried out by the M Panel staff, as others were involved in different jobs. Therefore, in the first phase, 22000 workers would be laid off, and later on, 15000 and 1000 staff would have to leave.

A centralized system would be in place for the vehicles’ registration and the number of workshops would be cut down too, he said.

During the period from 2012 through 2015, about Rs 100 crores are missing from KSRTC coffers.

"Strict action would be initiated against the then Accounts Manager Sreekumar and the Vigilance Executive Director P M Sharaf who had reinstated a staff who was remanded by the Court under violation of POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act," said MD Biju Prabhakar.