Kochi: In a novel initiative aimed at tiding over conductor shortage woes, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has decided to redeploy those drivers, involved in accident cases and facing legal proceedings, as conductors.
"The measure is being taken in the case of drivers having conductor licences too. We'll redeploy them in units suffering trip cancellations due to shortage of conductors," KSRTC Managing Director Tomin J Thachankary said. The driving licence of drivers involved in accident cases are usually suspended for up to six months based on recommendation of the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) pending inquiry. Such drivers face financial crisis during the period since they can't go for duty and also have to meet legal expenses.
The KSRTC too stands to benefit as the move will help it operate many services currently being cancelled due to conductor shortage post retrenchment of nearly 4,000 empanelled conductors. Though the Corporation acted fast and inducted nearly 3,000 PSC candidates, only 1,240 joined duty so far.
The corporation has been encouraging its drivers to take conductor licences for some time so as to implement the Drive-cum-Conductor (DC) system in its long-haul services. However, the unions were opposing the cost cutting measure from the very start. "The initiative is aimed to encourage more drivers take conductor licences," the top official said.
