Thiruvananthapuram,August 10
Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday launched a sharp attack on the UDF government, alleging that government employees across Kerala were being subjected to politically motivated transfers, dismissals and intimidation by organisations linked to the ruling front.
The former Chief Minister alleged that the situation had created widespread insecurity within the State’s civil service and called for strong protests against what he described as the government’s anti-employee policies.
In a Facebook post, Vijayan cited the death of Ashalatha Athirakuzhi, a senior clerk at the Kasaragod Collectorate. He alleged that she had been under severe mental stress after being subjected to a compulsory section transfer following the change of government.
He also referred to an incident involving K V Radhamani, a senior paediatrician at Kannur Government Medical College, who allegedly suffered a heart attack after an altercation with leaders of the NGO Association while she was on duty. Vijayan claimed the confrontation followed her refusal to sign an allegedly improper transfer order.
Accusing the government of carrying out large-scale transfers without following established norms, Vijayan said such actions were affecting the functioning of the civil service.
He also rejected Chief Minister V D Satheesan’s reported criticism of the previous LDF government’s record on employee benefits. Vijayan said the LDF administration had initiated salary revision by appointing the 12th Pay Revision Commission despite financial constraints.
He accused the present government of withholding dearness allowance arrears, earned leave surrender benefits and assured pension, while also favouring salary revision only once in 10 years.
Vijayan further alleged that around 2,800 temporary employees engaged in the digital survey had been dismissed without receiving eligible salary arrears.
Referring to job losses involving Kudumbashree, KSRTC and teachers recruited through the Kerala Public Service Commission, Vijayan demanded that the government end what he termed its hostile approach towards employees.
