CSD monthly purchase limits hiked

Vijay Mohan

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 9

Keeping in view inflationary trends and the changing socio-economic environment, the Ministry of Defence has significantly hiked the monetary limits of entitled individuals for purchase of items from Canteen Stores Department (CSD) outlets. The new directives will be effective from June 1.

The monthly limit for purchase of groceries and other routine items for all officers has been revised from Rs 7,500 to Rs 11,000. For junior commissioned officers (JCOs) and others ranks, the new monthly limits are Rs 8,000 and Rs 5,500 respectively. These were Rs 5,000 and Rs 3,500 earlier.

The annual limits for AFD (against firm demand) items, which are high-end items having a unit cost of over Rs 750, have also been raised. It is now Rs 1 lakh for officers, Rs 75,000 for JCOs and Rs 55,000 for other ranks, up from Rs 95,000, Rs 65,000 and Rs 40,000 respectively.

Monetary limits were imposed on purchases and smart cards were issued to users to check misuse of canteen facilities.

For civilian officers of the MoD who are paid out of defence estimates, the new limits are the same as for officers, JCOs and other ranks in accordance with their corresponding grade pay. Civilians, however, are not authorised to draw liquor from CSD outlets.

In addition, some changes in the policy for purchase of cars has also been brought out with officers now entitled to purchase a new car through the CSD once in four years. JCOs can buy a vehicle up to 2,000 cc once after completion of 10 years in service and once after retirement, with the gap between the two purchases being 10 years. Other ranks can similarly buy a vehicle up to 1,800 cc.

Army Headquarters has also directed the managements of all unit-run canteens to keep a strict watch on sale of items where there is a large difference in canteen rates and market prices and also ensure that all attractive items are sold strictly on required basis and not in excess. The profile of customers is to be strictly watched for spending beyond means.