KSRTC conductor, Akhila S. Nair, expressed her frustration regarding not receiving her salary, stating that workers have a right to protest if they are not paid. Akhila was moved from the Vaikom depot to Pala the day after wearing a protest badge. KSRTC claims that the protest defamed the government. Akhila’s family relies on her income to cover expenses, including loan repayments and household expenditures, as her husband works with no fixed income. Akhila stated that the protest did not disrupt service or bother anyone. She also noted that Pala Depot, 50km from her home, lacks a restroom for women like the one in Vaikam. Akhila has been an employee of KSRTC for 13 years, and when she did not receive payment for March and April of last year, she staged a hunger strike at the Vaikom depot.
Kottayam ∙ ‘If you take a job, you should get your salary, if you don’t, you will still protest’ – KSRTC conductor Akhila S. Nair’s words. Akhila was transferred from Vaikom depot to Pala on the day after wearing the badge of ‘Salmasala 41-am Divas’. KSRTC’s position is that the protest defamed the government. They came to work wearing protest badges on January 11.
‘With the non-payment of salary for December 2022, the household affairs fell into disarray. Husband is a Saptaha Acharya of Selvaraj Temples. No fixed income. My family survives on my salary. There are household expenses and loan repayments. He should also look after his son’s affairs. They protested without interrupting the service and without bothering anyone. I did not throw stones at the bus or disturb the passengers’ – said Akhila, a native of TV Puram.
Pala Depot is 50 km from home. If the duty is in the morning, you have to leave the evening before. If you stay, you won’t be able to get home. Akhila also said that there is no rest room for women in Pala like in Vaikam.
Akhila, an MSc and B.D., has been a KSRTC employee for 13 years. Last year, when he did not get his salary for the months of March and April, he went on a hunger strike at the Vaikom depot on Vishu day.
English Summary: KSRTC conductor Akhila S Nair protest against not giving salary
The situation faced by KSRTC conductor Akhila S. Nair is unfortunately all too common in today’s world. The non-payment of salaries can throw entire households into turmoil, and it is heartening to see Akhila stand up for her rights and the rights of her fellow employees. Her protest was peaceful and did not disrupt the service, yet KSRTC claimed that it defamed the government. This raises important questions about the balance between employee rights and government accountability. Akhila’s story highlights the struggles that many people face every day just to make ends meet, and serves as a reminder that we must continue to fight for fairness and justice in the workplace.