Order transferring woman conductor for ‘protest badge’ quashed following CMD’s report, says minister

KOTTAYAM: The action of transferring a woman conductor of KSRTC, for protesting the delay in getting salary, has been quashed. Transport Minister Antony Raju said the transfer was cancelled following the report of the CMD.

Akhila S Nair of Vaikom depot was transferred to Pala. She pinned the badge saying 41st day of service without salary and this had gone viral on social media. The KSRTC said the badge she wore defamed the government and that she had violated the discipline of the utility through the act. Akhila worked wearing a badge protesting the non-payment of salary on January 11.

The order transferring her said the investigation conducted by the KSRTC management found that Akhila had committed a breach of discipline and is being transferred for administrative convenience. The order said that her protest defamed both the government and the management. There were protests against the action of transferring her on social media. The order was quashed following criticisms from the opposition and the union minister.