THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After the unification of the local department, the local engineers have objected to the transfer of authority over them from the Chief Engineer to the Principal Director. Many are on the move to protest by taking leave en masse. However, the government has clarified that it will take strict action against it.

The chairpersons and secretaries of local bodies had no control over engineers earlier. They complained that more than 5,000 engineering employees are not following their instructions. Moreover, the engineering department was under the shadow of corruption in the local department. The government tightened its grip on them after learning seeing this.

Earlier last month, the Superintending Engineer of Kochi Corporation was suspended by the Corporation Secretary. The action was taken by pointing out that the Superintending Engineer, who was responsible for coordinating the proceedings in the National Green Tribunal regarding the Brahmapuram waste plant, had made lapses in this regard. Later, the Superintending Engineer questioned this and obtained a temporary stay against the suspension from the court. However, the corporation officials stated that the principal director of the local department is the appointing authority after unification and not the Chief Engineer. With this, the Superintending Engineer and later the Chief Engineer Johnson went on leave. However, the local department officials said that the Chief Engineer, who is retiring from service on May 31, has taken leave as per the pre-arranged schedule.

Engineering Section

Chief Engineer

Superintending Engineer

Executive Engineer

Assistant Executive Engr

Assistant Engineer

Overseer