A top official of the KSRTC was caught reporting for duty in a drunken state in the state capital last week while five employees of the Perumbavoor depot faced action for a similar crime on Tuesday.
Over 61 employees across the state were suspended in just two months – from April 1 to June 20 -- for the crime as the authorities have firmed up action against “tipplers.
” The idea is to bring in some discipline in the organisation that is struggling to keep itself afloat in the wake of the mounting losses, mainly debts, by way of pension.
“The 61 apart, several others, including the chief of traffic, are facing inquiry. The number of cases being booked has almost doubled,” an official said.
However, he claimed that the figures reflected the strict vigilance initiated by the corporation to bring in some discipline.
“All the 19 squads are conducting surprise checks. The teams have been equipped with alcohol breath analyzers. We’ve received complaints of some staff reported for duty in a drunken state,” he said.
The accused would be given mild punishments like suspension and a cut in increment promotion, among others. But, on repeating the offence, they would be turned out of service.
“Such action was taken against one official who became violent in a drunken state at the place of duty the other day,” the official said.