Government  grants 50% GST relief to central police canteens

 

The Union government has sanctioned a 50 per cent GST aid for CAPF personnel while purchasing goods from the countrywide network of central police canteens, an ex-paramilitary forces personnel welfare association said.

The Union home ministry’s decision to establish the “Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandar” (KPKB), or central police welfare store, which operates the nationwide network of more than 1,700 canteens spread across several states, was warmly received by the organization.

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) under the ministry of home affairs (MHA) comprise the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and the SSB. The services of these canteens can also be availed by personnel belonging to some other central police organisations like the BPRD and NCRB among others.

The personnel of these forces are tasked to render a variety of security duties in the country and abroad.

According to a letter issued by Home ministry, the waiver of 50% GST will be applicable from 1st April, 2024.

The central police canteens do an estimated business of more than Rs 2,800 crore annually by selling a variety of household products, groceries, clothes and vehicles apart from other items to 50 lakh family members of about 10 lakh personnel of these forces, apart from retired personnel and their families.