Tasmac Takes Action Against MRP Violations and Protest Delays
Tasmac, the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation, has initiated a significant crackdown on misconduct within its liquor retail operations in Chennai and surrounding districts. The corporation has issued show-cause notices to at least a dozen salesmen accused of charging customers above the maximum retail price (MRP), a practice that violates consumer protection norms. Additionally, notices have been sent to 600 salesmen and supervisors who delayed opening liquor shops by three hours on February 9 as part of a protest action.
MRP Violations Lead to Transfers and Potential Suspensions
In response to the MRP violations, the accused salesmen have been transferred to Tasmac depots pending further investigation. An official source stated, "They have to reply to the show-cause notice in two weeks. If the reply is not satisfactory, they will be suspended after getting an explanation from them." This move follows a special drive by the flying squad, which resulted in the suspension of four salesmen each from Tiruvallur east, west Tasmac districts, and Kancheepuram north district.
The government had previously implemented end-to-end computerisation to curb such MRP violations, but some salesmen reportedly tampered with QR codes or demanded additional cash payments of 5 to 20 rupees per bottle at the sales counter. "We caught them red-handed," said an official, highlighting the direct evidence gathered during inspections.
Worker Protests Intensify Amid Management Standoff
Meanwhile, the protest committee representing various Tasmac workers' unions has condemned the issuance of notices to 600 protesting employees, labeling it as a threat tactic to undermine their legitimate demands. A member of the protest committee, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that they plan to intensify the protest starting Wednesday by refusing to open the shops. "We thought the Tasmac officials would call us for negotiation as per the chief minister's instructions. However, the management took an anti-worker stand, which is not fair," the member expressed, indicating a growing rift between workers and management over long-pending issues.
The protests originally aimed to press for unresolved demands of Tasmac workers, and the recent notices have only fueled further discontent. The committee's decision to escalate the protest underscores the ongoing labor tensions within the corporation, which could impact liquor sales and operations in the region.
Broader Implications for Retail and Consumer Rights
This dual focus on MRP enforcement and labor disputes highlights broader challenges in Tamil Nadu's liquor retail sector. The crackdown on overcharging aims to protect consumer rights and ensure transparency, while the worker protests shed light on internal governance and employee welfare concerns. As Tasmac navigates these issues, the outcomes could set precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future, affecting both public trust and operational efficiency.
In summary, Tasmac's actions reflect a concerted effort to address misconduct and maintain discipline, but they also risk exacerbating labor unrest. The coming weeks will be crucial as responses to the show-cause notices are evaluated and protest actions unfold, potentially shaping the corporation's policies and stakeholder relationships moving forward.
