Chennai, Aug 29 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) has temporarily extended existing contracts covering the sale of food items and the collection of empty liquor bottles at bars attached to its retail outlets, as the process of selecting new contractors is yet to be completed.
The agreements, which were scheduled to expire on August 31, will remain valid for another two months, from September 1 to October 31. However, the extension will end earlier if successful bidders selected through the ongoing tender process commence operations before the revised deadline.
Tasmac Managing Director K Nanthakumar communicated the decision to the corporation’s senior regional managers and district managers on August 28. The extension is aimed at preventing any disruption to bar-related services while bids received under the fresh tender are evaluated and agreements are finalised.
The corporation said the scrutiny of bids, identification of successful bidders and execution of contracts were expected to take additional time. Allowing the existing contractors to continue during the interim period would ensure the uninterrupted sale of eatables and collection of empty bottles at bars functioning alongside Tasmac retail vending shops.
District managers across all 38 districts have been authorised to formally extend the existing agreements and collect the prescribed bar licence fees for the extended period. The arrangement will remain in force until October 31 or until the newly selected contractors take charge, whichever is earlier.
Tasmac has also granted a shorter extension to contractors responsible for collecting empty carton boxes and other waste generated at its retail outlets. These contracts, which are also due to expire on August 31, have been extended by one month, covering the period from September 1 to September 30.
As in the case of bar contracts, the waste collection extension may be terminated before September 30 if contractors chosen through the new tender process begin work earlier.
The corporation has instructed its district-level officials to ensure that the existing arrangements continue in accordance with the stipulated conditions during the extension period.
The temporary measure is expected to facilitate regular removal of bottles, cartons and other waste from Tasmac premises while avoiding sanitation and operational problems.
The decision provides Tasmac with additional time to complete the tender formalities without affecting services at its retail shops and attached bars across Tamil Nadu.
–IANS
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