The Central Government has sanctioned a significant subsidy covering 50% of the Goods and Services Tax ( GST ) for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel when they shop at central police canteens nationwide. This initiative, endorsed by the Union home ministry for the ‘Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandar’ (KPKB), operates over 1,700 such canteens across various states.
Under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), CAPFs such as CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB, along with personnel from other central police organizations like BPRD and NCRB, stand to benefit from this subsidy. These forces undertake diverse security responsibilities within India and internationally.
Ranbir Singh, General Secretary of the Confederation of Ex-Paramilitary Forces Martyrs Welfare Association, lauded this decision as a historic “Holi gift” for the 20 lakh serving and retired paramilitary personnel and their families.
The GST subsidy is set to commence from April 1, coinciding with the new fiscal year, with the financial provision sourced from the budget allocated to these forces.
Central police canteens boast an annual turnover exceeding Rs 2,800 crore, offering a wide array of products including household essentials, groceries, apparel, and vehicles. Serving approximately 10 lakh active personnel and catering to retired members and their families, these canteens provide vital support to around 50 lakh beneficiaries annually.
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