Empanelled conductors in KSRTC told to step aside

Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Thursday ruled that the empanelled conductors of KSRTC who have not crossed 10 years of service and 120 days of minimum service in a year are not entitled to cling on to the post after the vacancies are reported to the Kerala Public Service Commission on the basis of the rank list dated May 9, 2013.

“Those empanelled conductors who had completed 10 years of service and 120 days of minimum service in an year are entitled to regularisation by Government Order dated November 21, 2013. The said Government Order has been approved in a series of litigations by this court and the Supreme Court. But those who did not cross the above cut off mark are not entitled to cling on to the post,” the court said. The court also ordered that the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation shall immediately dispense with their services to accommodate those who have been advised by the Kerala Public Service Commission (in the order of seniority) for appointment as reserve conductors. This shall be done within a week from Thursday. The court also said that compliance to the order has to be reported lest the officials of KSRTC would face proceedings in contempt of court.

The court issued the order based on a batch of appeals filed by Palakkad Kanjikkode native Antony Stejo and others who alleged that they are denied appointment despite figuring in the PSC ranklist. Following the order around over 3,500 empanelled conductors will lose jobs.

Meanwhile, the KSRTC management sources said will seek time to implement the order.

“The temporary staff with less than 10 years of experience comes to nearly 3600. The day to day operational activities will be affected if they are retrenched in one go. We’ll request the court more time to hear our part,” said a senior official.