Chennai, Sept 5:
The TASMAC administration has issued notices to around 2,000 employees participating in strikes across Tamil Nadu, warning them to immediately return to work or face disciplinary action.
The action comes amid growing tension among TASMAC employees following the suspension of hundreds of workers over alleged sale of liquor at prices above the prescribed rates.
The State government had recently announced a salary hike for TASMAC employees, raising expectations that the long-pending issue of alleged extra collection from customers would be addressed. However, complaints of liquor being sold at additional prices continued to emerge from Chennai and other parts of the State.
Prohibition and Excise Minister Vignesh had warned that employees found selling liquor above the prescribed price would face disciplinary action. A first offence would attract a one-month suspension, while a second offence would lead to a three-month suspension.
Employees found committing the offence for a third time would be suspended and issued a show-cause notice, followed by an inquiry. If the violation was established, they could face permanent dismissal.
Following complaints received through a special grievance mechanism launched by the government, officials conducted field inspections. As a result, 67 TASMAC employees were suspended initially, followed by another 150 employees the next day.
The suspension of 217 employees within two days triggered protests among TASMAC workers, with employees in several places launching strikes in support of those suspended.
Against this backdrop, notices have now been issued to around 2,000 employees participating in the strike. TASMAC management has said that since the government bears the salaries and other expenses of the employees, they should immediately resume duty.
The administration has warned that employees who fail to return to work could face suspension and further disciplinary action.