Is Tasmac's Digital Payment Push Leading to Overcharging?

Chennai, June 24 (NationPress) In light of the recent introduction of QR code-based billing across all retail liquor stores, the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) has urged its employees to enhance digital transactions, establishing targets of 40 percent in urban areas and 25 percent in rural outlets.

This initiative aims to promote transparency, reduce revenue loss, and mitigate instances of overcharging above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP). However, employees have voiced concerns about the feasibility of these targets, especially in rural regions where many customers still prefer cash payments and lack the necessary infrastructure or knowledge to embrace digital methods.

“The shift towards digital payments is a crucial step towards realizing a cashless environment. Nevertheless, many of our patrons -- particularly in villages -- do not utilize UPI applications or even possess smartphones,” stated T. Dhanasekaran, General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Tasmac Employees Association.

“Many daily-wage workers might have bank accounts, but they are not familiar with scanning QR codes or executing UPI payments. Some even express annoyance when requested to pay digitally.”

Despite the mandatory nature of digital billing, employees at various outlets have expressed unease about the increasing pressure from management to achieve these digital transaction goals. “Our performance is under constant scrutiny. If our digital payment figures are inadequate, we fear repercussions from higher authorities,” commented a staff member at a retail store.

A senior Tasmac official recognized the existing challenges but noted that progress is underway. “Recently, approximately 20 percent of sales across the state have been processed through digital payments. We are currently concentrating on outlets in corporation and municipal regions. In May, Chennai and Kancheepuram districts reported 30 percent digital transactions, while several other districts exceeded the 15 percent threshold. Our target is to reach 40 percent by year-end,” the official remarked.

While the introduction of the digital billing system is thought to have curbed MRP violations, it has not entirely eradicated the issue. Seetharaman, a 44-year-old resident of Arumbakkam, Chennai, commented, “The QR code initiative was intended to prevent overcharging, yet numerous shops continue to charge ₹10 or more above MRP -- even for digital payments. When customers raise concerns, staff frequently reject the payment.”

Addressing these grievances, the senior Tasmac official emphasized that the department is taking this matter seriously. “We will enforce strict measures against those found violating MRP regulations. We are diligently monitoring the outlets and will take necessary action as needed,” he assured.