The state government has appointed MR Ajithkumar IPS, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), as the Chairman and Managing Director of Kerala State Beverages Corporation Limited (Bevco). He was removed from the post of Excise Commissioner.
A government order issued here on Saturday said Mr. Ajithkumar, who was waiting for a new post, is available to the tax department to be appointed as chairman and managing director of Bevco in the state delegation. The post of Chairman and Managing Director, Bevco is also declared to be equivalent in terms of status and responsibility to the cadre post of ADGP Headquarters, as per Rule 12 of the Indian Police Service (Pay) Rules, 2016.
Harshita Attaluri, Managing Director of Bevco, is transferred and appointed Inspector General of Police, Transport and Road Safety Management. The state government on Friday issued an order giving the charge of Excise Commissioner to Additional Excise Commissioner (Administration) till proper appointment is made.
Recently, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Ernakulam Bench, ruled that key posts like Commissioner of Excise, Director of Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) and Director General of Institute of Management in Government (IMG) are IAS cadre posts and can be held only by serving IAS officers. Subsequently, Mr. Ajithkumar was removed from the post of Excise Commissioner.
Published – 14 March 2026 19:53 IST
