On August 26, 2025, Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) employees voiced frustration over being forced to perform duties unrelated to their job roles. Workers said that being made to collect empty liquor bottles and clean shop premises diminishes the dignity of their profession.
Focus Should Be on Core Duties
According to TASMAC employees, their primary responsibility is managing liquor sales and ensuring accountability of stock. However, additional duties such as collecting bottles and cleaning distract them from core tasks, leading to both inefficiency and resentment.
Appeal to Tamil Nadu Government
The staff have submitted appeals to the Tamil Nadu government, urging authorities to relieve them of non-core jobs. Employees requested that cleaning and waste collection duties be assigned to dedicated housekeeping or contractual staff.
Demand for Respect and Recognition
Workers argued that being tasked with bottle collection undermines their position and affects their social dignity. They insisted that their contribution to revenue generation for the state should be acknowledged with proper working conditions.
High Revenue Contribution
TASMAC liquor outlets are among the largest sources of revenue for Tamil Nadu, contributing thousands of crores annually. Employees noted that despite their role in driving state finances, they are made to perform tasks that have no link to their official responsibilities.
Call for Structured Reforms
The TASMAC staff union has demanded structured reforms to improve working conditions. These include:
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Appointing separate housekeeping staff for bottle collection.
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Better wages and allowances for existing employees.
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Clear job definitions aligned with liquor sales and record-keeping.
Opposition Support for Staff
Opposition parties in Tamil Nadu have extended support to TASMAC workers, stating that the government must ensure employees are treated with dignity. They demanded immediate action to restructure TASMAC duties.
Government’s Likely Response
Officials from the Prohibition and Excise Department acknowledged receiving the grievances. They indicated that the government may examine ways to relieve TASMAC staff from non-core responsibilities, though no formal policy has yet been announced.
Social Media Reactions
The issue gained traction on social media, where many users sympathized with TASMAC employees. Hashtags like #RespectTASMACStaff and #StopBottleCollection trended locally, amplifying the call for reform.
Path Ahead
Employee unions have warned of protests if the government fails to address their demands soon. They emphasized that TASMAC staff deserve respect as key revenue earners for the state and should not be burdened with jobs outside their defined role.
