‘Minnal Magic’ hits roadblock: Production of new Kerala brandy halted amid controversy
Palakkad: “Minnal Magic”, the new brandy produced at the recently established distillery of Malabar Distilleries, is unlikely to reach Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) outlets anytime soon after the company reportedly halted production following directions from managing director MR Ajith Kumar.
The public sector distillery had earlier announced plans to launch the brandy through Kerala State Beverages Corporation outlets by the end of May. Trial runs and related production procedures had already been completed.
However, the situation changed after the new UDF government assumed office. Controversy soon erupted over the appointment of 90 temporary women workers during the final phase of the previous LDF government.
Congress-affiliated organisations alleged irregularities in the recruitment process, claiming that CPM leaders interfered in the preparation of the workers’ list through the Kudumbashree ADS functioning under the CPM-ruled Nallepilly panchayat.
The complaints regarding the appointments were reportedly submitted to company officials as well as the Excise Minister. Company officials, however, maintained that the list of temporary workers was prepared entirely by Kudumbashree units in accordance with existing guidelines.
They pointed out that a Kerala High Court guideline related to a case involving Travancore Sugars & Chemicals in Thiruvalla requires such appointments to be made through Kudumbashree units functioning within the block where the establishment is located.
Based on government instructions, Kudumbashree units from seven grama panchayats under the Chittur block were considered for the recruitment process. Since 45 out of 55 applicants reportedly quoted the same rate in the tender process, the Nallepilly ADS unit was selected through a lottery system, officials said.
Congress-affiliated organisations have meanwhile demanded immediate government intervention to ensure transparency in the recruitment process.