IMPACT OF TASMAC SHOPS ON WOMEN’S LIFE IN TAMILNADU

“Behind every successful man there is a woman but behind every woman’s tears

(in Tamilnadu) there is an alcoholic courtesy TASMAC.”

Tamilnadu has always been renowned for its rich culture and heritage.

With towering temples, rich body of literature, interesting music and dance forms, unique festivals and rituals ; emphasis on values, joint family system and respect to elders - it has been a land steeped in tradition. Great leaders from the state like Kalki Krishnamurthy,

C.Rajagopalachari always propounded the virtues of a liquor free society and drinking was considered taboo. The conservative and god-fearing Tamil people were justifiably proud of a long history of prohibition.

However all this changed in 2003, when the then State government amended the

TamilNadu Prohibition Act, 1937, and decided to take over retail sales of Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) from private sector. TASMAC (originally established in 1983) began metamorphosing into the many-headed beast that it is today .

TASMAC has a monopoly on alcohol trade in the state and to study its impact, it is necessary to understand the ill-effects of liquor first. The malady of alcoholism has plagued mankind since the beginning of “civilisation” – masquerading as a means of relaxation, answer to all woes, even as a status symbol. Drinking is a social evil which knows no barriers. Alcohol is the great equalizer. It casts its toxic shadow on a woman at all stages and ages of her life

– daughter, sister, wife, daughter in law, mother - tainting every relationship.

Its impact is thus seen in many dimensions - physical, mental, emotional, economic, social, cultural and moral .

Alcohol at a blood concentration of 400 mg% can kill a ...

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...mpaigns, de-addiction centres) ,focus on creating jobs for reformed men , renewed commitment to education and nutrition of the girl child are few of the measures which will open the door to a better tomorrow.

The role of NGOs in socio-economic and emotional rehabilitation of sufferers is particularly important .But the first step in tackling the monster is severing its tentacles and limiting reach – i.e gradually closing all the TASMAC shops and ensuring no new ones spring up. At the same time , former employees must be provided gainful employment And it is here that the government needs to be more pro-active. When the headquarters of TASMAC on Gandhi-Irwin road (how ironic) ceases to function, the Mahathma will heave a sigh of relief in heaven.

“When everyday is ‘Dry day’, then and only then Tamilnadu women’s tears will dry up”.

MEGHANAA J KUMAR