Chennai, 10 Nov (H.S.):Tamil Nadu Prohibition and Excise Minister Vignesh has said increasing liquor sales through the state-run TASMAC network cannot be considered an achievement, describing the trend as a matter of shame.

Speaking to reporters, the minister questioned the public benefit of celebrating annual increases in revenue from liquor sales. His remarks challenged the practice of presenting higher earnings from the state’s liquor retail network as a measure of success.

“What benefit do people receive when we boast that TASMAC revenue has increased every year?” he asked.

Vignesh also acknowledged shortcomings in the government’s scheme for collecting empty liquor bottles. Although the initiative has been introduced in Tamil Nadu, only 54 per cent of bottles have been returned so far, he said.

The minister said confusion among consumers and liquor retailers over the scheme would be resolved soon. Comprehensive guidelines would be issued to clarify the process and help improve its implementation, he assured.

Turning to substance abuse, Vignesh expressed concern over the involvement of people with drug addiction in criminal incidents, including murders, across the state. He described such incidents as deeply distressing and said helping young people overcome addiction was a government priority.

The government’s principal objective, he said, was to establish drug rehabilitation centres in 204 of Tamil Nadu’s 234 Assembly constituencies. These centres would provide counselling and medical treatment to support people recovering from substance dependence.

Vignesh emphasised that rehabilitation must include appropriate professional care, enabling those affected by addiction to receive continued support during their recovery.

His remarks covered both the administration of liquor sales and the need to strengthen services for people affected by drug abuse. While promising clearer procedures for the bottle-return scheme, the minister placed particular emphasis on expanding access to treatment and counselling for young people seeking to overcome dependence on drugs.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman