Tamil Nadu minister says corruption of ₹3,600 crore per year in Tasmac halted: Report

Tamil Nadu’s Prohibition and Excise Minister K Vignesh announced that ₹3,600 crore in annual corruption within the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (Tasmac) has been stopped under Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s administration. The government attributed the corruption to a syndicate operating in liquor sales and procurement, involving commissions of ₹90 per liquor case, ₹40 per beer carton, and ₹20 for wine, which were previously diverted to individuals with political ties. Vignesh stated that a government order on June 5 ended these practices, redirecting funds to the state treasury. He revealed that employees had collected an extra ₹10 per liquor bottle for years, amounting to ₹3,600 crore annually, with only minimal amounts returned to staff. The minister warned that those involved in corruption would face strict action without bias, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy across all departments. The government also addressed long-standing issues like selling liquor above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), which Vignesh claimed had persisted for five years under the previous administration. By the end of June, the practice of overcharging will be fully regulated, with employees prohibited from collecting extra deposits beyond the legal ₹10 per bottle. Violations will result in disciplinary measures, according to the minister. Vignesh clarified that the government has no plans to privatize Tasmac, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining state control over liquor distribution. The crackdown follows allegations of a ₹100 crore monthly scam in procurement, which has now been halted. The minister’s statements reflect the state government’s broader goal of creating a drug-free Tamil Nadu while ensuring transparency in public institutions.