CM Vijay Orders Closure of 717 Liquor Shops Near Schools and Temples

Tamil Nadu's new CM Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 TASMAC liquor shops located within 500 meters of schools, places of worship, and bus stands. The directive, issued shortly after his swearing-in, mandates closure within two weeks as part of a major social reform.

In a swift and decisive administrative move, the newly appointed Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Joseph Vijay, has ordered the immediate closure of 717 state-run liquor shops across the state. This significant policy decision was among the first official acts performed by Vijay after taking his oath of office. The order specifically targets liquor outlets situated in sensitive public zones, reflecting the new government's commitment to addressing long-standing social concerns regarding the proximity of alcohol sales to educational and religious institutions. This move is being projected as a cornerstone of the administration's social reform agenda.

Breakdown of the 717 TASMAC Outlets to be Closed

The directive issued on Tuesday provides a clear mandate to officials to shut down all Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) shops operating within a 500-meter radius of temples, mosques, churches, schools, colleges, and bus stands. The government has set a strict deadline of two weeks for the completion of this process. According to official data provided by the Tamil Nadu government, there are currently 4,765 TASMAC liquor shops operating in the state.

Historic Coalition Government and Welfare Initiatives

The 51-year-old actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay assumed office on Sunday following a historic electoral performance by his party, the 'Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam' (TVK). While TVK emerged as the single largest party in the state, it fell short of a full majority, leading to the formation of the state's first-ever coalition government. This landmark administration is supported by the Congress, Left parties, VCK, and the Muslim League. Immediately after taking charge, CM Vijay moved to fulfill key electoral promises, including the approval of a scheme providing 200 units of free electricity to domestic consumers, aimed at providing financial relief to households across the state.

Focus on Women's Safety and Anti-Drug Measures

Beyond the regulation of liquor sales, the Chief Minister has prioritized public safety and health. He has officially sanctioned the creation of a special task force dedicated exclusively to the safety and security of women in the state. On top of that, in a bid to combat the rising threat of narcotics, the government has decided to establish specialized anti-drug units in every district of Tamil Nadu. These measures are part of a broader strategy to fulfill campaign promises related to social welfare and the protection of vulnerable sections of society, ensuring a more secure environment for all citizens.

Financial Transparency and the White Paper on Debt

In his inaugural address as Chief Minister, Joseph Vijay took a direct aim at the previous DMK administration regarding the state's economic health. He announced that his government would soon release a 'White Paper' detailing the financial status of the state during the 2021-2026 period. Vijay highlighted a grim economic picture, stating that Tamil Nadu is currently burdened with a debt exceeding ₹10 lakh crore. He remarked that the state treasury is effectively empty, creating an unsustainable financial burden, while the Chief Minister emphasized that informing the public about the current fiscal reality is essential for the state's future governance and economic recovery.