Categories of Items

Canteen Stores Department (CSD) canteens provide both serving Armed Forces personnel and Ex-Servicemen a range of items grouped into seven groups, each dealing with a different product category, as follows:-

• I – Toiletries
• II – Household Requisites
• III – General Use Items
• IV – Wrist watches & Stationery
• V – Liquor.
• VI – Food & Medicinal Items.
• VII (AFD) – 4 Wheelers, 2 Wheelers & White goods.

Recent Initiatives and Important Instructions – CSD

Revision in CSD Limits

QMG Branch of Army HQs has recently revised the limits in respect of certain CSD items. Click on this link to view.

Issue of Canteen Smart Card

All serving personnel are to apply for ESM Canteen Smart Cards prior to their retirement. A facility is being created to apply for CSD Smart Cards online and get the card delivered to the residence. Towards this, a website https://csdsmartcard.co.in was created, which allows entitled personnel to fill up the application form and make the payment online. Thereafter CSD Cards will be delivered within 7-20 days by courier service directly to your home address. The status of your application can be also tracked online. All those who are applying for the first time or reapplying will need to apply online only. However, the CSD Smart Card website is presently offline. It is understood that the website was launched only for a short time initially to carry out ‘beta testing’ and closed thereafter. Feedback received has been incorporated and the actual website will be launched shortly after getting cyber security clearance. In the meantime, veterans can approach the nearest INCS/URC to apply for smart card. This YouTube video gives a detailed explanation.

Canteen smart cards were previously required to be renewed every year at the parent URC through CIMS to prove that the veteran is alive and continues to be eligible for canteen facilities. However, with effect from 01 Jan 2023, it has been decided by Army HQs to discontinue this practice. For more details click here.

Against Firm Demand(AFD) Items

The indenter cannot cancel a demand for an AFD item once placed. These items are not stocked in Canteen Stores Depot but are specifically procured against firm demand received from the indenter. There are two categories of AFD items:-

• AFD – I : deals with 4 wheelers, 2 wheelers, white goods viz. TV, Refrigerator, Washing machine, Microwave oven etc. The customer submits his/ her demand for AFD-I items, along with payment, to the Canteen Stores Depot and takes delivery from the authorized dealer after completing necessary documentation.
• AFD – II : These include costly items like mattresses, sunglasses, vacuum cleaner, etc. for which the URC places firm demand on dependent CSD Depot. After getting such firm demands, the Depot places the order with the concerned manufacturer and issues them on receipt.

The policy for the purchase of four wheelers through CSD has been recently revised and may be viewed here. Entitled personnel can purchase 2-wheelers and AFD-1 items such as TV, fridge and AC every three years. Click here for the procedure and indent format.

CSD / INCS Canteens in Pune and Mumbai