Powerlifting champion becomes first woman dafadar

ALAPPUZHA: For the first time in Kerala, a woman has been appointed to the post of the dafadar of the District Collector. Siji, who was a powerlifting national champion, joined for duty as dafadar of Alappuzha District Collector Alex Varghese on Monday.

55-year-old K Siji, a native of Cherthala, has six months remaining in service, after which she will retire. She had requested this position in the final phase of her 20-year career.

She conveyed her interest in taking up this post to the superior officials after A Afzal, who was dafadar of 14 Collectors in Alappuzha, got a promotion. Siji became a dafadar after the officials considered her seniority. The official attire consists of a white shirt, pants, shoes, red sash, government badge and white cap. Being a woman, she will wear a white churidar.

Won three golds
Siji, who was a national champion in powerlifting, came to service in sports quota. She had competed in national games six times and won a gold medal thrice. She has bagged several achievements, including the GV Raja award. She was a kabaddi player at school level. Husband: Joseph Arackal, children Varna Joseph and Vismaya J Arackal.