500 vacancies, 14 closures: Recruitment freeze pushes Kerala’s Indian Coffee House to the brink
Ironically, the very department that brands itself ‘industry-friendly’ is choking the operations of a cooperative society under its own wing.
Ironically, the very department that brands itself ‘industry-friendly’ is choking the operations of a cooperative society under its own wing.
Ironically, the very department that brands itself ‘industry-friendly’ is choking the operations of a cooperative society under its own wing.
Kochi: With its trademark crimson uniforms, the clink of stainless steel tumblers, and the heady aroma of filter coffee, the Indian Coffee House is more than a restaurant chain — it is part of Kerala’s cultural fabric. For decades, it has been the backdrop to political debates, student movements, and countless affordable meals, serving everyone from college kids to literary icons.
But plunging revenues and a severe manpower crunch have pushed the Indian Coffee House in southern Kerala into crisis. Fourteen branches have already shut down, and nearly 500 posts remain vacant. Yet, the Industries Department has withheld recruitment approval at ICH outlets for the past three years.
Ironically, the very department that brands itself ‘industry-friendly’ is choking the operations of a cooperative society under its own wing. The department’s director doubles as the society’s registrar. As revenues slide at ICH, losses have swelled to ₹10 crore a year.
Even the Legislative Assembly Secretary had to write to the government, warning that the outlet that serves MLAs and others at reasonable rates during Assembly sessions was no longer able to continue operations.
The Indian Coffee Board Workers’ Cooperative Society, which runs coffee and snack services at affordable prices for ministers’ offices in the Secretariat and during cabinet meetings, is now facing a financial abyss. In 2017, the government dismissed the Society without explanation and appointed a receiver, but the High Court later quashed the order and restored the Society’s administration. The Thrissur-based independent Society has members from across the political spectrum, including the CPM.
Meanwhile, Coffee Houses north of Thrissur are managed by the Kannur-based CITU Society, where there are no such hurdles to filling vacancies. But in the south, the situation is grim — from 59 branches and 2,300 staff at its peak, the network has shrunk to 45 branches and 1,450 employees. Coffee bean costs have tripled from ₹17 lakh to ₹49 lakh for 8,000 kg, while daily collections have fallen from ₹35 lakh to ₹29 lakh. Annual turnover has slipped below ₹120 crore — well short of the ₹140 crore needed to survive. Many now fear the once-bustling Coffee Houses are being slowly and deliberately pushed towards closure.