“The POS machines would be carried by the vehicles which covers the present 35 routes across the whole city,” officials said, and added that the facility would soon be extended to the rest of the state, thereby covering nearly 8,000 retailers outside Chennai city. “Why does not Aavin give us time to understand the scheme instead of thrusting a new service on us,” fumed a franchisee owner, who refused to divulge his name. “Also, many of us do not have debit cards, we use cheques to make the payment,” he added. Sources alleged that the new system was proposed as a marketing strategy, without the knowledge of dairy minister TK Rajenthira Balaji. Officials also added that the new scheme was brought in after the dealers themselves demanded for it during their regular meetings with federation officials. 

When asked about initial glitches, top Aavin sources said, “We have only said that the scheme comes into operation from Friday. We have not insisted that all franchisees should opt for the scheme the same day. They can continue with the existing system till they get their debit cards.”

Another retailer grouse that they would be forced to pay for the full load received, resulting in a time-consuming process to get refunds for damaged or for receipt of less than indented goods. Officials said even if POS machines were used, retailers only needed to pay for goods received in good condition. 

But the move has worried district retailers, who are apprehensive that they would lose out – unless trained in the new system.