Kerala Coir Board Officer Who Filed Workplace Harassment Complaint Dies, Probe Ordered

The Coir Board has denied the allegations in an official release that all transfers are made based on administrative needs and necessary leave was sanctioned once her medical condition became known.

A relative, Lalichan, accused the Coir Board of denying her essential medical leave despite certified reports from an authorized medical board.

Source : ABPLIVE AI

Days after the death of a 56-year-old woman officer, who reportedly wrote letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President highlighting the workplace challenges she faced at the Coir Board in Kerala, her family has come forward with serious allegations of workplace harassment. They claim that the harassment significantly contributed to her declining health and untimely demise.

Jolly Madhu, a Section Officer at the Coir Board and a resident of Vennala, was undergoing treatment for a cerebral hemorrhage at a private hospital before she passed away, as per the South First. Her family asserted that the constant workplace harassment caused her immense stress, exacerbating her health condition and ultimately leading to her death.

A relative, Lalichan, accused the Coir Board of denying her essential medical leave despite certified reports from an authorized medical board, as per a report on PTI. He further alleged that she was forcibly transferred from Kochi to Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, for a field assignment and had her salary withheld.

"Despite having medical reports from an authorized medical board confirming her poor health, she was denied medical leave, forcibly transferred from Kochi to a field job in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, and even had her salary withheld," he alleged, as per the report.

Jolly, who joined the Coir Board in 1996 as a Lower Division Clerk (LDC), gradually climbed the ranks, serving as a Junior Stenographer, Hindi Translator, and eventually a Section Officer. She reportedly collapsed at her home on January 31, 2024.

Following her death, her family lodged a formal complaint with the Board Secretary, holding senior officials accountable.

Following this, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Ministry has ordered an investigation into the death, as per a report on Kaumudi. A report by a three-member committee is expected to be prepared after investigation and submitted within 15 days. 

However, the Coir Board has denied the allegations, stating in an official release that all transfers are made based on administrative needs and that necessary leave was sanctioned once her medical condition became known.

"The Coir Board has 46 establishments across India for the development and promotion of the Coir Industry. Transfers of officials are made based on administrative exigencies to achieve the desired outcomes," the Board’s statement read, as per the report.

The Board further stated that it would investigate the matter internally and take corrective action if necessary.