TASMAC suspends 245 supervisors during Tamil Nadu liquor outlet strike
The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation issued show-cause notices to 1,729 employees as state-run liquor shops remained closed for a second day.
The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) has suspended 245 shop supervisors and issued show-cause notices to 1,729 employees as most state-run liquor outlets remained closed for a second consecutive day, according to Urban Acres.
The staff are on strike to protest a newly introduced environmental and social welfare cess. This levy adds Rs 10 to the price of each bottle and is linked to a buyback scheme.
A senior TASMAC official said on Tuesday that the disciplinary action covers several regions, including Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Salem, and Tiruchirappalli. In the Chennai region, 169 suspensions were recorded from 341 show-cause notices, including 61 in Thiruvallur (East), 50 in Chennai (Central), and 58 in Chennai (North).
In the Salem region, 459 show-cause notices were issued, including 155 in Salem and 153 in Namakkal, while 75 people were suspended in Krishnagiri. The Tiruchirappalli region saw 418 notices, with 185 suspensions in Tiruchirappalli and 175 in Pudukkottai.
The Madurai region accounted for 475 notices, including 247 in Tirunelveli, 120 in Madurai North, and 101 in Theni. Records show 931 notices were issued on November 1 and 798 on November 2.
TASMAC maintains that the unauthorised closure of outlets violates public service norms and disrupts operations. The administration stated that strict disciplinary measures will continue against personnel found responsible to maintain accountability.