CHENNAI: Liquor buyers can hope for tidier and better-maintained Tasmac shops soon. The state-run liquor retailer is enhancing the monthly maintenance provision for its outlets by nearly seven times, from the existing Rs 750 to up to Rs 5,000, as part of a series of welfare measures aimed at improving the working atmosphere for employees and providing a more pleasant experience for buyers.The new provision will come into effect on Oct 1, according to a circular issued by Tasmac managing director K Nanthakumar on Sept 29. The monthly petty-cash system, which has been in place since 2003 for meeting minor day-to-day expenses at retail shops, will now be replaced by the higher maintenance allocation.The move was among the welfare measures announced by prohibition and excise minister K Vignesh in the Tamil Nadu assembly on Aug 31. It comes after Tasmac revised the salaries of retail shop employees with effect from Sept 1 and announced an annual Rs 6,000 allowance towards three sets of uniforms, besides a Rs 20,000 festival advance.The latest measure is significant in the backdrop of persistent complaints of Tasmac personnel charging buyers more than the maximum retail price (MRP). Maintenance expenses have been cited by workers as one of the reasons for collecting additional amounts from liquor buyers. The govt has, meanwhile, warned that employees found violating MRP norms would face suspension and dismissal for repeat offences.Under the revised system, shops in corporation areas will receive Rs 5,000 a month, those in municipalities and town panchayats Rs 4,000 and those in rural and village panchayat areas Rs 3,000. The amount will be credited every month along with the salary of the shop supervisor. For October, the maintenance amount is to be released on Sept 30 along with the September salary.The funds are to be used primarily for keeping the shops clean. Supervisors can spend them on daily cleaning of the shop premises, counter area and immediate surroundings, besides buying brooms, cleaning agents, disinfectants, phenyl, waste bins, garbage bags and other cleaning consumables.The allocation can also be used to provide drinking water, including purchase of water cans, hiring or maintenance of a water dispenser or pot and the cost of drinking water. Other basic amenities required for employees and consumers can also be provided from the funds.The money, however, cannot be used for shop rent, electricity charges, building repairs, furniture, equipment, capital items or expenditure for which a separate provision exists.The supervisor will be responsible for maintaining a monthly expenditure register and preserving bills, vouchers and receipts for three years. The records will be subject to inspection by district managers and internal or statutory auditors.Tasmac has approved a 5% annual indexation of the maintenance provision, with the revised amount to be rounded to the nearest Rs 100. The first revision will take effect on April 1, 2027, with the revised rates to be notified by the head office each year.
