Palani, Sept 7:
Tamil Nadu Prohibition and Excise Minister Vignesh has said the government has no hostility towards TASMAC employees and assured that steps would be taken to address their longstanding grievances.
Speaking to reporters in Palani, Vignesh said the government was committed to resolving problems faced by TASMAC employees and would examine their demands.
He also referred to the issue of bottles breaking at liquor outlets and said the government was prepared to provide compensation equivalent to the cost of two bottles per shop for such losses.
“There is no animosity towards TASMAC employees,” the minister said, adding that the government was working to resolve the issues.
Vignesh also said TASMAC outlets located near schools and government offices, particularly those causing inconvenience to residents, would be shifted.
He said he had already raised the issue in the Assembly and indicated that the TASMAC outlet on RF Road in Palani would also be relocated.
Toddy shops under review
The minister also said the government was examining the possibility of opening toddy shops in Tamil Nadu.
He said the advantages and disadvantages of permitting toddy sales had been brought to the Chief Minister’s attention and that a detailed study was under way.
Vignesh cited the recent seizure of spirit near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border and said there were reports that such spirit was being transported to some illicit toddy outlets.
The government would take a decision on opening toddy shops after completing its assessment, he said.
The minister’s remarks come amid continuing discussions between the government and TASMAC employees over employment conditions, pay, benefits and other long-pending demands.