Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) has got its first woman employee after the state government decided to abide by High Court order. Shiny Raj took charge as the lower division clerk at one of its liquor outlets.

She has joined in the outlet in Chalakkudy, Thrissur, in the accounts section and might not be appointed in the sales section immediately.

It was not an easy path for Shiny, who in fact initiated the legal fight after men, who were much below her in ranking, got posting. Appointment to the vacancies in Bevco started in 2013, based on the 2010 rank list, but only men were given posting.

Also read: Kerala women get the government to bend, state-run liquor outlets will soon see women behind the counter

Bevco took the stance that woman cannot be appointed at their outlets as Kerala Abkari Shops Disposal Rules and Kerala Foreign Liquor Rules clearly prohibits the appointment of women at their outlets. However, Shyni approached High Court, and the bench ruled in her favour. It was pointed out that the denial amounts violation of Constitutional rights.

State Government then amended the provisions of Kerala Abkari Shops Disposal Rules and Kerala Foreign Liquor Rules. Following this Bevco issued an order regarding her appointment.

There are currently 200 vacancies in Bevico.



Watch Shiny taking charge at the Chalakkudy outlet.