Assistant Transport Commissioner Served Show-Cause Notice After Minister Cancels MVD Event Due to Poor Turnout
Thiruvananthapuram: The Assistant Transport Commissioner has been served a show-cause notice following a low turnout at an event organized by the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD). Joy, the Assistant Transport Commissioner at the Commissionerate, received the notice after Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar publicly announced that action would be taken against the official for the significant lapse in organizing the event.
The incident occurred on Monday at Kanakakkunnu, where the MVD had scheduled a flag-off ceremony for 52 new vehicles. Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar and local MLA V.K. Prasanth arrived punctually, but the state of the event immediately caused visible discomfort to the Minister. He had specifically instructed that all 52 vehicles be parked in close proximity to the venue; however, this directive was disregarded in the arrangement. Furthermore, the attendance at the venue was notably sparse.
During the welcome speech, Minister Ganesh Kumar was observed calling the concerned official, expressing his dissatisfaction, and issuing new instructions. Following this, a few vehicles that were parked elsewhere were moved closer to the stage. However, upon rising to deliver his inaugural address, the Minister expressed his profound anger and abruptly walked out, declaring the event cancelled.
In his public statement, the Minister elaborated on his decision: ‘Everyone, please forgive me. The honorable MLA, too, please forgive me. This event has been cancelled. This is because the officials of the Motor Vehicles Department who organized this event have committed a serious lapse. The Kerala government spent money from its treasury to purchase 52 vehicles, and instructions were given to arrange them beautifully in the courtyard of Kanakakkunnu Palace and conduct the event. However, the official showed no responsibility. Only my party members, my personal staff, and KSRTC employees have attended this function. No one from outside was invited, and nothing was done for this event. Therefore, action will be taken against the official. Please forgive me, but this event is being cancelled here. This official could not even bring the Motor Vehicles Department officials themselves.’
The Minister also mentioned hearing an official claim that the tiles at the Kanakakkunnu venue would break if vehicles were driven near the stage. He stated that if such a concern was legitimate, he would write a letter to the concerned minister for clarification. Apologizing for the serious lapse on the part of the officials, Minister Ganesh Kumar announced that the event would be rescheduled for another day before departing the venue.