The state-run Chittur Sugar Mills (Chicops), located in Palakkad district, which has been registering losses since 1997-98 and was planning to lay off all its 500 workers, will soon be taken over by the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco), according to state industries minister P K Kunhalikutty.
Emphasising that the Kerala government is working on the proposal to transfer the control of Chicops to Bevco and the latter plans to convert Chicops into a distillery, the minister said discussions have already been initiated with the excise department.