Who Is Eligible to Use CSD Facilities?

The Canteen Stores Department (CSD) provides an essential range of goods and services at subsidized rates, but access to these facilities is strictly regulated. Only certain members of the Indian Armed Forces and their families are eligible to use CSD outlets and enjoy these benefits.

Eligibility Criteria for CSD Facilities:

1. Serving Military Personnel:

Active soldiers, including Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel, are eligible to use CSD facilities.

Serving officers and other ranks, including non-commissioned officers (NCOs), can access goods through CSD outlets at subsidized prices.

They must possess a valid CSD card, issued by their respective unit or formation, to make purchases at the CSD canteen.

2. Retired Personnel:

Retired soldiers, officers, and veterans of the Indian Armed Forces can continue to avail themselves of CSD facilities post-retirement.

Retired personnel must also hold a valid CSD card issued to them upon retirement. This ensures they maintain access to the benefits provided by the department.

3. Widows and Families of Martyrs:

The widows and dependents of soldiers who have died in service, or those who were martyred, are entitled to use CSD facilities.

The family members of deceased soldiers are granted CSD cards that allow them to buy goods from the outlets at subsidized prices.

4. Serving and Retired Officers' Families:

Dependents (spouse and children) of both serving and retired officers and soldiers are eligible to use CSD facilities.

The eligibility extends to the parents of soldiers and officers, particularly in cases where they are financially dependent on the personnel.

5. Ex-Servicemen:

Ex-servicemen who have completed a certain period of service in the Armed Forces (usually a minimum of 15 years) are eligible to access CSD outlets.

These individuals continue to receive the same benefits as retired personnel after their service ends.

6. Other Categories:

Army Cadets from the National Defence Academy (NDA), Indian Military Academy (IMA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA) may also have limited access to CSD facilities, depending on the specific rules applicable to their category.

Certain defense civilians employed in government services related to defense may also be allowed access to specific CSD facilities.

How CSD Cards Are Issued:

CSD cards are issued to eligible personnel (serving, retired, and dependents) by their respective units or formations.

For retired personnel, the CSD card is issued by the records office or Zilla Sainik Welfare Office after verification of their service records.

Family members of serving soldiers can apply for a dependents card through the serving soldier's unit.

Example:

Colonel Rajeev, a retired Army officer, continues to use the CSD facilities post-retirement. His wife, Priya, and their two children are also eligible to use the CSD canteen, as they are dependents of a retired military officer. They use their CSD card to purchase groceries, household goods, and electronics at discounted prices. In addition, when Rajeev’s brother-in-law, who is serving in the Air Force, visits, he is allowed to access CSD facilities with his CSD card as well, to buy items for his family.

Conclusion:

The Canteen Stores Department (CSD) is an important support system for the Indian Armed Forces community. The eligibility to access CSD facilities is granted to serving military personnel, retired officers, their dependents, and martyrs’ families, ensuring that those who have served or are currently serving the nation can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of subsidized goods.