Thiruvananthapuram: In a stern move aimed at enhancing public safety, Minister K. Krishnankutty has announced that disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) officials found responsible for recent electrical accidents across the state. The decision emerged from a high-level review meeting following a string of fatal incidents that have claimed six lives.
The Minister clarified that further steps will be based on the findings of the Chief Electrical Inspector, whose detailed report is awaited. Among the cases discussed was the tragic death of a student in Thevalakkara. Though the KSEB Chief Safety Commissioner’s probe did not recommend punitive action citing prior warnings issued by staff about a hazardous overhead line the absence of timely action proved fatal. The final call on accountability will be made after examining the Chief Electrical Inspector’s assessment.
In response to recurring safety failures, the government has decided to reactivate district-level electricity safety committees, chaired by Collectors and convened by Deputy Chief Engineers. Additionally, vigilance committees led by MLAs and ward members are to be revived and instructed to convene before August 15, after a long period of dormancy.
A notable development from the meeting was the approval of a proposal by KSEB Chairman Mir Muhammad Ali to develop digital software that will log inspections, identify electrical hazards, and track remedial actions.
To strengthen infrastructure safety, it was also decided that only armoured conductors will be installed in all upcoming power lines. Furthermore, the government has ordered the removal of unauthorized cables illegally attached to electricity posts.
Senior officials including Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department Puneeth Kumar, Chief Electrical Inspector G. Vinod, and Energy Management Center Director R. Harikumar participated in the meeting, which marked a turning point in Kerala’s power safety governance.