The Indian government has approved a subsidy that covers 50% of the GST for CAPF members when they make purchases at any of the central police canteens across the nation, according to an announcement by an ex-paramilitary forces welfare association on Monday. This initiative has been endorsed by the Union home ministry for the ‘Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandar’ (KPKB), or the central police welfare store, which operates over 1,700 such canteens in various states throughout the country.

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), which fall under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), include the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. Additionally, personnel from other central police organizations such as the BPRD and NCRB, among others, can also benefit from these canteens.

These forces perform a wide range of security duties both within India and internationally.

Ranbir Singh, the general secretary of the Confederation of Ex-Paramilitary Forces Martyrs Welfare Association, hailed this move as a “historic decision” and a “Holi gift for the 20 lakh serving and retired paramilitary personnel and their families.”

He noted that the GST subsidy will commence at the beginning of the new fiscal year on April 1. The financial provision for this subsidy will come from the budget allocated to these forces, according to Singh.

Annually, the central police canteens conduct business worth over Rs 2,800 crore, offering a diverse range of products including household items, groceries, clothing, and vehicles, among others. These canteens serve not only the approximately 10 lakh active personnel but also retired members and their families, totaling around 50 lakh beneficiaries.

Source from: https://www.a2ztaxcorp.com/centre-announces-50-gst-relief-to-central-police-canteens-ex-paramilitary-association/