COIMBATORE: Tamil Nadu's Prohibition and Excise Minister K Vignesh on Saturday refuted reports suggesting that the state government intended to privatize the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac). Speaking to reporters in Coimbatore, the minister categorically stated, "There is no intention to privatize Tasmac."
Closure of Liquor Shops
The minister revealed that 717 Tasmac liquor shops have been closed as per the orders of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. On May 12, the Chief Minister had directed the closure of 717 liquor shops located near schools, temples, and bus stops.
Allegations of Massive Scam
Minister Vignesh alleged that a significant scam had been perpetrated within Tasmac, with an estimated Rs 3,600 crore being siphoned off annually into private accounts. He explained that for the past couple of years, an extra Rs 10 was charged per bottle. With approximately one crore bottles sold daily, this amounted to Rs 10 crore per day and Rs 300 crore per month. The minister claimed that this money was not given to employees but was distributed among various individuals, including those in power. He asserted that this practice has now been completely stopped by eliminating the additional charge on bottles.
Reforms in Procurement
The minister stated, "We are not like former minister V Senthil Balaji, but we have brought about a massive revolution in Tasmac." He noted that corruption had occurred not only in liquor sales but also in procurement. Annually, 88 lakh cases of liquor were procured, with an extra amount ranging between Rs 40 and Rs 90 or more charged per case. This amounted to over Rs 1,000 crore, which the minister claimed had gone to a single party and families. A government order was issued on June 5 to stop this practice.
Warning Against Corruption
Pointing out the prevailing practice of collecting money from officials, the minister warned that strict action would be taken against anyone involved in corruption. He emphasized the government's commitment to creating a drug-free Tamil Nadu.
Drug-Free Tamil Nadu Initiative
Highlighting that some students had fallen prey to drug addiction, the minister stressed the need to break the drug supply chain. He vowed that the government would not allow drugs to enter Tamil Nadu through any channel. Awareness campaigns would be conducted among school and college students to combat drug abuse.
