KSRTC Vigilance fails to regain efficiency even under management of police officers

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Retired SPs to lead KSRTC Vigilance to achieve efficiency and effectiveness. But history points out that changing the ‘heads’ doesn’t create any difference.

SPs KS Gopakumar and KB Ravi were given the charge of KSRTC management vigilance while they were in service. The first SP appointment was when Tomin J Thachankary became MD. Even though the police were in charge before Thachankary, there was no significant change in the vigilance system. The lack of familiarity of the police officers with the KSRTC vigilance system and the non-cooperation of the subordinate officers was the reason for this. In case of investigation, the aid of KSRTC vigilance officers is needed. The previously appointed SPs had given a report that a team of efficient officers from the police force should be formed, but it was not implemented.

The Vigilance department mostly included Checking inspectors. It is regularly complained that they protect members of their own unions and trap members of other unions. Complaints received by management are forwarded to vigilance but many are hoarded. At the same time exemplary actions have been taken recently in some cases. It was also based on the vigilance report that the drivers were dismissed in the incident of the death of two youths in a bus crash and the theft of diesel and also on the fine imposed on 35 drivers-cum-conductors. The post of vigilance director has been vacant for a few months. Additional charge is held by Finance Executive Director.