PMK Opposes TASMAC Privatization in Tamil Nadu
Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) President Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss has vehemently spoken out against recent reports suggesting the Tamil Nadu government's consideration to privatize a significant portion of state-run liquor outlets. Reports indicate that Chief Minister Vijay's administration is contemplating handing over approximately 2,500 Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) shops located in urban areas to private players, out of the state's total of 4,048 outlets.
Ramadoss argued that such a move would inevitably lead to an escalation in alcohol consumption across the state, rather than effectively addressing existing concerns related to liquor sales and public health.
Call for Total Prohibition, Not Private Sales
The former Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare (2004-2009) emphasized that the government's primary objective should be the gradual closure of all liquor outlets and the eventual implementation of complete prohibition in Tamil Nadu. He cautioned that any deviation from this path, whether through privatization or other means, would only result in severe societal consequences.
"It is indeed shameful for the government to sell liquor. The solution to this disgrace is to close all liquor shops and enforce complete prohibition—not to hand over liquor retail to private players," Ramadoss stated.
He dismissed arguments suggesting that privatization would distance the government from liquor sales or help curb overpricing, likening the approach to "burning down a house out of fear of bedbugs."
Historical Precedent and Concerns Over Regression
Ramadoss pointed to Tamil Nadu's past experience with private liquor retail, which was characterized by widespread irregularities. He recalled instances where license holders allegedly operated unauthorized branches, sold liquor beyond permitted locations, and even engaged in illicit liquor sales through licensed outlets. These issues ultimately led the AIADMK government in 2002-03 to bring all liquor sales under the control of the state-run TASMAC.
He asserted that reversing this policy after 23 years and returning to the old system would not constitute a reform but rather a significant regression. Ramadoss also noted that reports of liquor privatization have surfaced repeatedly since the current government took office, fueling allegations of a lobby pushing for private retail and procurement from other states.
The PMK leader warned that privatization would increase the accessibility of alcohol, making children, students, youth, and all sections of society more vulnerable to addiction. He urged the government to immediately abandon any proposals for privatizing liquor retail and instead focus on implementing total prohibition across Tamil Nadu.