Kerala MVD withdraws suspension of two officials following protests
The Kerala Motor Vehicles Department has revoked the suspension of two officials who fined a vehicle used for flood relief operations. The decision followed intense protests and threats of industrial action by employee unions.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the tension between strict enforcement of traffic regulations and the practical realities of emergency disaster relief operations.
The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) on Monday withdrew the suspension of two officials who had fined an off-road vehicle engaged in flood relief operations in Pathanamthitta.
The two officials have since been transferred from the Adoor Sub Regional Transport Office (SRTO) to the Mavelikkara and Kazhakuttam SRTOs. The transfer orders were issued by the Transport Commissioner.
The move came amid mounting protests by MVD employees’ organisations against the disciplinary action. The Kerala Association of Motor Vehicle Inspectors (KAMVIA) and the Kerala Motor Vehicle Department Gazetted Officers’ Association (KMVDGOA) had announced an indefinite protest, including a `zero-challan’campaign under which officials would continue vehicle inspections but refrain from imposing fines for traffic violations.
The organisations had also announced a dharna in front of the Transport Commissionerate on August 22.
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