Chennai: If you are arguing with your peers over whether Rajinikanth’s Petta or Ajithkumar’s Viswasam is the winner in the Pongal race, it’s time to correct yourself. For, the Tamilnadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) has emerged the undisputed winner, by making revenue of close to Rs 500 crore.
This was due to the almost a week-long holiday which ends today and the Rs 1,000 cash gift to all ration card holders by the government, many feel. Moreover, sources stated that in a bid to meet the demands of the ‘customers’ and to delight them, TASMAC management ensured that fresh stocks of liquor were stored in its outlets across the State.
“Rs 500 crore was not at all expected. The actual target was much below than that,” sources added.
In the four days between 12 and 15 January, Rs 500 crore liquor has been sold in the State. “If yesterday and tomorrow are to be taken to account, the revenue will make a new record,” added sources.
The breakup comprises of brandy at 60 per cent, with whisky finding 30 per cent buyers. Beer comprised of the remaining 10 per cent.
A senior TASMAC official said that on an average, liquor sales across the State is anywhere between Rs 70 crore and Rs 75 crore per day.
According to the official, on the normal weekend, the sales will be about Rs 80 crore per day. “This year the Pongal festival came just after the weekend and therefore the sales have increased,” he added.
According to reports, TASMAC purchased nearly 20,000 extra cases of beer cans from various distilleries and 20,000 extra cases of hard liquor comprising Brandy, Whiskey and Rum was procured for this festival anticipating more sales.
There is also an information that a oral order was issued to the salesmen at the liquor shops that incentives will be given if the sales targets are achieved.