Kerala Government Appoints Yogesh Gupta as Managing Director of BEVCO
The Kerala State government has issued orders transferring Road Safety Commissioner Yogesh Gupta to the post of Managing Director of the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO). The decision also includes new responsibilities for other senior officers following recent retirements within the state administration.
What Happened
Under the new administrative postings, Yogesh Gupta returns to lead the State-run liquor retailing corporation. Prior to this transfer, Mr. Gupta was serving as the Road Safety Commissioner. He had previously led BEVCO before being moved to the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau and subsequently to the Road Safety authority during earlier high-level police reshuffles.
The Managing Director position at BEVCO had been unoccupied for more than a week after the suspension of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M.R. Ajith Kumar. Disciplinary proceedings were launched against Mr. Kumar following allegations regarding an attempt to interfere in an inquiry into the alleged assault on Youth Congress workers by former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s security personnel during the 2023 Nava Kerala Sadas outreach programme in Alappuzha.
Alongside this appointment, Balram Kumar Upadhyay, the Additional Director General of Police (Armed Police Battalions), has been assigned the full additional charge of Director General of Fire and Rescue Services. This assignment follows the retirement of Nitin Agrawal.
Key Highlights
- BEVCO Leadership: Yogesh Gupta has been named the Managing Director of the Kerala State Beverages Corporation.
- Return to Post: This assignment marks Mr. Gupta’s return to BEVCO, an entity he previously headed before holding roles in the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau and Road Safety Commission.
- Vacancy Resolution: The top post at BEVCO had been vacant for over a week following the suspension of ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar.
- Additional Administrative Changes: ADGP Balram Kumar Upadhyay takes full additional charge as Director General of Fire and Rescue Services after the retirement of Nitin Agrawal.
- Context of Suspension: Disciplinary action against M.R. Ajith Kumar relates to allegations of interference in an investigation concerning an incident at the 2023 Nava Kerala Sadas in Alappuzha.
Why This Matters
This administrative transfer resolves leadership vacancies in key state bodies, specifically restoring regular management to BEVCO after more than a week without a Managing Director. It also ensures leadership continuity in the Fire and Rescue Services department following the scheduled retirement of its top official.
What to Watch Next
Following these administrative appointments, the state administration is set to oversee the handover of duties to Yogesh Gupta at BEVCO and Balram Kumar Upadhyay at the Fire and Rescue Services, alongside ongoing formal disciplinary procedures involving M.R. Ajith Kumar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has been appointed as the new Managing Director of BEVCO?
Road Safety Commissioner Yogesh Gupta has been transferred and appointed as the Managing Director of the Kerala State Beverages Corporation.
Why was the BEVCO Managing Director position vacant?
The post became vacant following the suspension of ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar amid disciplinary proceedings regarding allegations of interference in an assault investigation dating back to the 2023 Nava Kerala Sadas programme.
Who has taken charge of the Fire and Rescue Services?
ADGP (Armed Police Battalions) Balram Kumar Upadhyay has been given full additional charge as Director General of Fire and Rescue Services following the retirement of Nitin Agrawal.
Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.