Demanding to withdraw the order regarding implementation of ‘liquor bottle buy back’ scheme in Madurai over practical difficulties, Tasmac employees shut the shops on Monday to express their protest.
Tasmac workers flagged practical gaps in implementing the scheme.
They alleged that factors like financial liability for damaged bottles and logistical challenges were not taken care of.
As the buyback scheme came into effect from September 1 in the Tasmac shops in Madurai North and South, workers alleged that they would face storage issues when they start collecting back the bottles.
“Though we are happy about the direction which was passed in an environment concern, the ground level arrangements like storage warehouse, timely transportation are yet to be done,” they added.
If the shops were going to be filled with empty bottles where would the fresh stocks be stacked. Also, if the empty bottles were not removed on time, the room would start stinking, they complained.
“Our demand is only to make necessary prior arrangements and not to revoke the scheme,” they asserted.
Condemning the order, a Tasmac worker, Venkatasubramani, allegedly drank sanitizer.
A police official said, he gave a statement that he was unable to bear the pressure from his higher officials. However, the police said, he was undergoing treatment at Government Rajaji Hospital and was stable.
A Tasmac official, said, as per the Madras High Court order, the buyback scheme was implemented in nine districts already.
As a continuation to that, the scheme was implemented in six more districts – Thiruvallur West, Kancheepuram South, Tiruchi, Thanjavur, Ariyalur, Madurai South and Madurai North, the official added.
Responding to the workers’ demand, the official said, their demand for an additional space for storing the empty bottles was taken up to the higher officials.
“It would soon be resolved,” he added.
As the workers submitted a petition to District Collector K.J. Praveen Kumar and officials assured the workers of speedy action, they withdrew the protest and opened the shops in the evening.
(Assistance for overcome suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416, Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050 and Speak2Us helpline at 9375493754.)
Published – September 01, 2025 10:06 pm IST
