Thiruvarur , VCK MLA S S Balaji strongly criticised the suspension of TASMAC employees who had returned to duty after withdrawing their protest, urging the Tamil Nadu government to reinstate them immediately.
Balaji urged the government to completely relieve TASMAC staff from the responsibility of collecting empty bottles. To resolve the crisis, he suggested that the government appoint private contractors or establish separate counters at bars specifically for bottle collection. Furthermore, reiterating the VCK’s core demand for a liquor-free Tamil Nadu, the MLA stated that as liquor shops are gradually closed down in the state, the government must protect the livelihoods of TASMAC workers. He demanded that these employees, who have contributed significantly to the state’s revenue for years, be provided with alternative employment in government service.
The employees protested based on these legitimate, practical concerns and later rejoined duty after the government allegedly offered oral assurances that bar owners would handle the bottles, according to the MLA. “Issuing suspension orders to many, who withdrew the protest and returned to work, causes immense distress and has subjected them to great hardship,” Balaji said, drawing the state government’s attention to the workers’ plight.
