Thiruvananthapuram: In a firm move against participation in the nationwide Bharat Bandh, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has invoked the 'dies non' rule and instructed all employees to report for duty on Wednesday without fail.
In an official circular issued by KSRTC management, employees were warned that failure to report to work would result in a day’s salary being forfeited. The deducted amount will reflect in the salary for July 2025. The corporation has also affirmed that all bus services are expected to run as usual, regardless of the strike call by major trade unions.
To ensure strict compliance, the circular further mandates that no officer is allowed to leave office premises on the strike day. At least one officer must remain present in each unit throughout the day. Leave will be sanctioned only in cases backed by a valid medical certificate issued by a Medical Officer of Civil Surgeon rank or higher.
KSRTC has also insisted that attendance data from all units, workshops, and the central office be submitted to the Executive Director (Vigilance) by 3 PM on the strike day. As part of maintaining uninterrupted services, the corporation has ordered that all canteens remain operational until July 9, warning that non-compliance would result in license cancellation and permanent blacklisting. Employees who are responsible for holding office keys and choose to participate in the strike have been asked to hand over keys in advance to the appropriate authority.
Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar earlier reiterated the government’s stance that KSRTC buses will remain on the road during the Bharat Bandh. However, his statement has sparked criticism from political quarters, particularly from LDF convener T.P. Ramakrishnan, who accused the minister of undermining the right to protest.
Despite the management's directive, KSRTC employees aligned with Left-backed unions, including the CITU, have reaffirmed their participation in the national strike. CITU leadership clarified that proper strike notice had already been submitted to KSRTC in advance.
The Bharat Bandh has been called by a coalition of 10 central trade unions to protest what they describe as anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies pursued by the central government. With tensions running high and workers caught between management orders and union directives, the state is poised for a day of disruption and dissent.