TASMAC suspends 245 supervisors and issues notices to 1,729 staff
The disciplinary action follows an unauthorised strike by employees over a new Rs 10 bottle buyback scheme in Tamil Nadu.
The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) has suspended 245 shop supervisors and served show-cause notices to 1,729 employees after liquor outlets across the state remained closed during a strike. According to reports from South First, Deccan Chronicle and Urban Acres, the staff staged an unauthorised protest on November 1 by refusing to open outlets.
The employees are opposing a new system that collects empty liquor bottles from consumers, which includes an environmental and social welfare cess of Rs 10 per bottle. This buyback scheme was introduced following complaints that liquor was being sold above the maximum retail price (MRP).
The administration issued 931 notices on November 1 and 798 on November 2. In the Chennai region, 169 supervisors were suspended, including 61 in Tiruvallur East, 58 in Chennai North and 50 in Chennai Central. In the Salem region, 75 people were suspended in Krishnagiri district, while 459 notices were issued across Salem and Namakkal.
The Madurai region saw 475 notices, including 247 in Tirunelveli, 120 in Madurai North and 101 in Theni. In the Tiruchirappalli region, 418 notices were issued, with 185 suspensions in Tiruchirappalli and 175 in Pudukkottai. Minister of Prohibition and Excise K Vignesh said the government will not allow loopholes that allow people to make money illegally.
TASMAC stated that unauthorised closures disrupt public service norms and that strict disciplinary measures will continue to ensure accountability. Most outlets have resumed operations following the issuance of the notices.