Chennai, September 20 (Daily Kiran) : In Chennai, the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) is set to mandate digital payments for any purchases exceeding ₹500 at its outlets. This initiative aims to reduce cash transactions, enhance transparency, and curb discrepancies. Customers will still be allowed to use cash for purchases up to ₹500, but anything above that will require a digital payment method. Detailed guidelines for retail outlets are expected to be released soon.
This decision comes in the wake of persistent cash transactions, despite TASMAC’s implementation of a computerized system in 2024 designed to digitize operations across its supply chain, which includes manufacturing units, warehouses, and retail stores. Currently, staff at TASMAC outlets scan each bottle with handheld devices before handing them to customers. These devices also support digital payments via QR codes. However, reports indicate that over 80% of purchases at these outlets are still made in cash.
On average, TASMAC generates about ₹150 crore in sales daily, with figures spiking on weekends, holidays, and festivals. Retail outlets typically store significant cash amounts before depositing them in banks the following day. Officials express concerns that handling large volumes of cash exposes employees to risks of robbery and theft, particularly during cash transfers. Increasing the use of digital payments could mitigate these risks and help maintain clear transaction records for the corporation.
TASMAC already offers an online service allowing customers to select their preferred liquor brands, make digital payments, and generate a code to collect their bottles at designated outlets. However, customers have reported delays in receiving their orders, which officials attribute to some retail staff’s preference for cash transactions.
The proposed payment restrictions are also expected to help prevent outlets from charging prices above the officially set maximum retail price (MRP). Digital records will facilitate the verification of amounts collected for each purchase and help identify discrepancies. Officials believe this measure could resolve frequent disputes regarding the availability of change.
Before officially implementing the ₹500 cash payment limit, TASMAC plans to assess the necessary arrangements at its outlets.
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