CSD ban: Armymen in a knot

CHANDIGARH: With the marriage season on, soldiers as well as ex-servicemen in Tricity are finding it hard to get items like car, television set, refrigerator, airconditioner and washing machine, among others, from Canteen Stores Department (CSD). For, a circular issued by authorities had put a blanket ban on the sale of such items till June 31. The wedding season has doubled their woes as they are forced to make purchases from the open market.
There are around 30,000 defence personnel in and around Chandigarh. They are entitled to purchase these items on subsidized rates from CSD canteens. These are AFD (against firm demand) items and are to be purchased from open market. To avail these luxury items, personnel have to take an availability form from dealers and make an entry of item before the zila sainik board or station headquarters. A record of sale of these items is maintained and one cannot purchase the same good again for two years.
But, these things are not available since one-and-a-half month. Mohali-based Col (retd) AS Bhinder told TOI, ''Despite CSD facility, we have to purchase refrigerators and ACs from the open market at high rates.' President of Ex-servicemen Grievance Cell Lt Col (retd) SS Sohi said they have taken up the matter with army and CSD authorities. They have been urged to ensure that administrative hurdle does not come in the way of privileges available for soldiers' welfare. ''Bureaucratic style of CSD authorities is giving soldiers a tough time,'' he added.
Captain (retd) Ishwar Singh said, ''I wanted to purchase a few luxury items for my daughter's wedding from CSD. But their non-availability has left no option other than buying these from open market.''