While Madhavi was transferred in August, the issue came to focus, as the memo served to her was circulated only recently.
Published Sep 25, 2024 | 5:11 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 25, 2024 | 5:15 PM
SB Madhavi as the Dafadar to Mayor Priya. (Supplied)
SB Madhavi, the first woman Dafadar of the Greater Chennai Corporation has been transferred from the Mayor’s office to the Manali zonal office for alleged non-performance.
However, Madhavi alleged that she was targeted for wearing a bright-coloured lipstick to work, and has been transferred for the same reason.
Incidentally, Chennai has a woman Mayor. Apart from being the third woman mayor of the city, Priya, the 49th mayor, is also the youngest to hold the celebrated post.
A Dafadar is someone who holds the scepter— a ceremonial wand and walks ahead of the mayor clearing the way for them in crowded areas. Mayors when elected are decorated with a scepter and a gold medal. Madhavi was appointed as the first woman Dafadar after Priya was elected, marking a change. However, her transfer and the allegation of Madhavi being targeted for wearing lipstick came as a surprise, giving way to discussions.
While Madhavi was transferred in August, the issue came to focus, as the memo served to her was circulated only recently.
Madhavi, in response to the memo, claimed that she was targeted for wearing lipstick. She recalled that once, she had come to work, to attend an event, wearing lipstick, for which, Mayor Priya’s aide and PA Sivasankaran reportedly reprimanded her.
SB Madhavi speaking to South First, questioned, “Is there any order specifying not to wear lipstick? Am not the only one wearing lipstick, many female employees working in the mayor’s office wear lipstick. I look out of place because I’m a little pale. Will they transfer me to Manali for this?”
Responding to the memo given to her claiming she was late to work, Madhavi further questioned, “They say I am late, did they say I was also working late? I have worked with the mayor even at night during the rainy season. If there is a mistake in my work, will they keep me for two years?”
Speaking of an instance, where she was late, Madhavi said, “On 6 August, the day memo was given, I was late by 30 minutes, as I had a leg injury. Instead of 10 AM, I reached the office at 10:30 AM.”
“I am an ordinary employee, witnesses can be prepared against me, in this case, after my news is published in the media, they can even engage in activities to find any fault in my work,” she added.
According to the memo sent to Madhavi on 6 August, it was alleged that she had come late to the office, neglected her duties and violated the orders of the higher authorities. The transfer order further noted that, as Madhavi did not respond properly, she was transferred.
The memo also mentioned that “Madhavi should not go to other departments of the corporation.” To this too, Madhavi questioned, “if there were any ordinances of the corporation that the employee working in one department should not go to another department.”
Speaking on the issue, Mayor Priya said, “Chennai Corporation has not stopped anyone from applying lipstick. It is their choice. Madhavi’s allegation is not true. She was transferred because of her actions.”
(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula)
