The Tamil Nadu government has announced a 25 per cent salary increase for employees of the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) liquor outlets. This is the first revision in two decades. The move is aimed at reducing corruption and stopping the practice of charging customers extra for liquor bottles.
Officials reportedly explained that better pay will discourage staff from collecting an additional Rs 10 per bottle, a common complaint at TASMAC shops. The government believes higher wages will improve accountability and customer trust while also supporting employee welfare.
This pay hike is part of a broader set of reforms introduced by Chief Minister Joseph Vijay’s administration. Earlier this year, 717 TASMAC outlets were shut down for being located within 500 metres of places of worship, schools and bus stands. Out of Tamil Nadu’s 4,765 outlets, closures included 276 near temples, 186 near schools, and 255 near bus stands. The government projected this as a social reform to reduce easy access to liquor in sensitive areas.
The closures drew support from all quarters with many leaders welcoming the decision, urging further regulation of alcohol sales. The move was labelled as a response to public demand and a step toward improving safety for women, students, and communities.
The salary hike adds to a series of welfare and reform measures rolled out by the present government, including free electricity for households, a dedicated women’s safety force, and anti-drug units in every district.
