Para Military Forces: The Central Government has given a big gift to the Paramilitary Forces. Now they will have to pay only 50 percent GST on canteen items. Due to this decision, paramilitary force soldiers will be able to get cheaper goods from the canteen. This will directly benefit more than 11 lakh soldiers of the paramilitary force. The Home Ministry has given 50 percent GST exemption on the products available at CAPF canteen i.e. Central Police Kalyan Bhandar (KPKB).
Home Ministry gave information about the decision
The Home Ministry has issued a notification on Monday informing about this decision. It has been told that 50 percent GST assistance on purchase of goods from Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandar will be applicable from April 1, 2024. This assistance will be provided through the budget. Confederation of Ex Paramilitary Forces Martyrs Welfare Association had been raising voice for this for a long time. The association had also submitted memorandums to many Union Ministers. Letters were also sent to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Demand was made to Finance Minister Sitharaman
The association had demanded from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman that she should announce 50 percent GST exemption on CAPF canteen products in the interim budget. Due to GST imposed on canteens, the budget of lakhs of paramilitary families gets spoiled. Therefore, exemption in GST was being demanded for CAPF canteen on the lines of Army canteen.
Many states had given VAT exemption before GST
Association Chairman HR Singh and General Secretary Ranbir Singh said that the Central Police Canteen was established in the year 2006 to help the paramilitary force personnel. Earlier, goods were purchased from the Army’s CSD canteen. There are about 119 master canteens and 1778 CPC canteens across the country. The name of CPC canteen has been changed to Central Police Kalyan Bhandar. Before the implementation of GST, many states had given exemption from Value Added Tax (VAT) on the items available in canteens. But, there was no relief after the implementation of GST.
