Chennai, Sept 1:
The Tamil Nadu government has announced a second salary revision for TASMAC employees within 100 days of the TVK government assuming office, with the revised pay coming into effect from September 1.
Prohibition and Excise Minister K Vignesh also warned that employees charging customers above the maximum retail price (MRP) would face suspension for the first offence and dismissal for a second offence.
Under the revised structure, the monthly salary of TASMAC supervisors will rise from Rs 22,313 to Rs 33,023. Salesmen will receive Rs 30,284, up from Rs 19,413, while assistant salesmen will get Rs 28,680 against the existing Rs 17,925.
The revision will involve an additional annual expenditure of Rs 486.90 crore for the government, the Minister said while making announcements during the Assembly debate on the demand for grants for his department.
Vignesh said the salary hike was also aimed at curbing complaints of MRP violations at TASMAC outlets. Employees found collecting Rs 1 to Rs 9 above the MRP will no longer face the relatively lighter penalties followed earlier, with the government now adopting stricter disciplinary action.
The Minister also announced a festival advance of Rs 20,000 for employees and Rs 6,000 towards uniform and stitching expenses.
To improve cleanliness and basic facilities, TASMAC shops will receive Rs 5,000 annually for maintenance in corporation areas, Rs 4,000 in municipalities and town panchayats, and Rs 3,000 in rural areas.
The government will also introduce an eight-hour duty schedule, rotational weekly offs and two casual leave days every month for TASMAC employees.
In another measure, 250 qualified TASMAC employees will be appointed as junior assistants in government departments, the Minister announced.