Thiruvananthapuram, 27 May (H.S.):Allegations of irregular appointments have surfaced at the state-owned Malabar Distilleries in Menonpara, Palakkad, ahead of the launch of its new brandy label, Minnal Magic. Congress-backed organisations have accused the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government of facilitating “backdoor appointments” by recruiting temporary workers through politically influenced channels during the final phase of its tenure.
According to the protestors, around 90 temporary women workers were appointed through the Kudumbashree Additional Development Society (ADS) functioning under the CPM-controlled Nalleppilly Grama Panchayat. They alleged that CPM leaders interfered in the preparation of the workers’ list and demanded a transparent investigation into the recruitment process.
Representatives of the organisations said complaints detailing the alleged irregularities had already been submitted to the company management as well as Excise Minister M. Liju. They urged the state government to intervene immediately and ensure transparency in all temporary appointments made at the distillery.
However, company officials strongly denied the allegations and maintained that the recruitment process was carried out strictly in accordance with existing guidelines. Officials clarified that the appointments were made through Kudumbashree units following directions issued earlier by the Kerala High Court in connection with the Travancore Sugars case.
“As per the court directive, temporary appointments must be carried out through Kudumbashree units functioning within the block where the institution is located. Based on this, Kudumbashree units from seven grama panchayats in the Chittur block were considered,” company authorities said.
They further explained that 45 out of the 55 applicants had quoted the same rate during the selection process, forcing authorities to conduct a lottery system to finalise the agency. “Nalleppilly ADS was selected through a draw of lots,” the officials added.
Meanwhile, Chittur MLA Sumesh Achuthan rejected the explanation provided by the authorities, calling it “misleading and fabricated.” He alleged that the appointments amounted to clear political favouritism and said complaints had been submitted to the concerned departments demanding that temporary appointments be conducted through the Employment Exchange.
The MLA also questioned the practicality of the recruitment process, alleging that women from faraway regions such as Perumatty had been included in the list despite the long daily commute required to reach the distillery.
Amid the controversy, company officials confirmed that production of Minnal Magic brandy has not been suspended. Trial runs have already been completed, and the new liquor brand is expected to reach BEVCO outlets across Kerala in the coming days.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
