न्यूज़व्यूज़पोस्ट
New buyback policy introduced
The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) announced a revision of the maximum retail price (MRP) for all liquor products effective 1 November 2026. The increase of ₹10 per bottle is presented as an environmental cess, and consumers are promised a ₹10 refund when they return empty bottles to retail outlets.
Staff opposition on the first day
Despite the policy’s launch, several Tasmac shops closed abruptly on the opening day. Employees reported technical problems with point‑of‑sale (POS) machines that prevented the processing of refunds. In addition, they highlighted insufficient storage space for the returned bottles, which hampered the practical execution of the scheme.
Background of extra charges
Charging an additional ₹10 above the MRP has been a long‑standing and controversial practice in Tasmac outlets. Although successive state governments have ordered the practice to stop, shop staff have continued to collect the extra amount, citing needs such as covering bottle breakage, internet fees and other miscellaneous expenses.
After the TVK‑led coalition assumed power, the government issued stricter guidelines and suspended employees found collecting money beyond the MRP. The recent buyback initiative was intended to replace the informal surcharge with a formal refund mechanism.
Nevertheless, the immediate staff resistance raises questions about the corporation’s readiness to manage the new system. The combination of technical failures and logistical constraints suggests that further preparation may be required before the scheme can be fully operational.
Source: India Latest News: Top National Headlines Today & Breaking News | The Hindu
Featured image: representational, AI generated.
