Politics · India Bureau
Tamil Nadu liquor price hike sparks assembly row between rivals
The Tamil Nadu government's decision to increase the price of alcohol by ₹10 per bottle has triggered heated debate in the assembly. Opposition parties have criticized the move, while the prohibition minister defended it as necessary to address long-standing financial issues.
LSN India ·
The price increase on liquor sold through Tamil Nadu State Beverages Corporation (Tasmac) outlets has become a flashpoint between the ruling DMK and opposition TVK in the state assembly. The additional levy per bottle was announced as part of measures to address systemic financial deficits in the state's liquor distribution network.
Minister for Prohibition and Excise K. Vignesh attributed the price adjustment to years of insufficient payments to shop workers and inadequate allocation of maintenance funds for Tasmac retail outlets. He characterized the increase as a corrective measure to address accumulated financial strain on the system rather than a fresh revenue-generation exercise.
Alongside the price increase, the minister announced a wage hike for Tasmac staff, framing the dual measures as part of a broader effort to stabilize the corporation's operations. The government indicated that improved worker compensation was overdue, with the price adjustment intended to create fiscal space for the salary enhancement.
The assembly debate reflects broader disagreements between the two political parties over alcohol policy and public finances. While supporters of the measure contended it addresses legitimate operational challenges, critics questioned whether consumers should bear the cost of correcting institutional mismanagement.