Wearing a white churidar with shoes, a red crossbelt and government seal, K Siji stands in front of the Alappuzha Collector’s office. It is a moment of transition — the first woman to be appointed as a dafadar in any Collectorate in Kerala.

"This is something I have always aspired to. When the question of who would be the next dafadar came up, I expressed my consent immediately. The Collector and others supported me. However, it’s a bit sad that this dream has come true just six months before my retirement," Siji said.

Siji, from Cherthala, took over the position after the former dafadar, A. Afzal, was transferred. It is worth noting that the most senior office attendant in the district is appointed as the dafadar to the Collectorate.

Siji became the national powerlifting champion for five consecutive years and secured the government job through the sports quota. She was honoured with the GV Raja Award for Best Female Athlete in 2000. 

Her husband is Joseph V. Arayikkal, and they have two children: Varna Joseph and Vismaya J. Arayikkal.

Dafadar post

The position of dafadar has roots to British rule, originally associated with palace guards. The dafadar is the personal aide to the Collector. They must be present when the Collector arrives, managing visitors and ensuring everything is in order, often working like the Collector's shadow. There are no fixed working hours; whether it’s day or night, the dafadar must be present whenever the Collector is at the office.

Over time, the uniform changed from a British period headgear to a cap. There is some ambiguity about whether headgear is required for female appointees, as men are expected to wear it. A golden-red crossbelt bearing the Collectorate’s name and the government seal is part of the uniform.