CAG: Excess liquor withdrawal from CSD
A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) performance audit (PA) report on the canteen stores department (CSD) has pointed out withdrawal of liquor in excess of authorisation by some Army units. The excess liquor withdrawn had a market value of over Rs 19 crores. The report has recommended that “the CSD and the Services
should ensure that liquor is demanded by and issued to the Unit Run Canteens (URCs) strictly as per their authorisation to prevent its leakage into the civil market”.
The CAG’s PA report found that “several instances of drawal of liquor in excess of authorisation based on the unit strength came to the notice of audit”.
It also pointed out that “audit was denied access to records in URCs by the Army headquarters in spite of repeated requests. Even taking up the matter at the highest level in the MoD could not ensure access of audit to the URCs.”
The CAG’s PA report states, “In five area depots, we observed that units were drawing liquor in excess of that authorised on the strength of the unit. The value of such excess drawal of concessional liquor was Rs 7.82 crores. The market value of the excess liquor was Rs 19.45 crores. The units responsible for the overdrawal were mainly station headquarters Dehu Road, Rajputana Rifle Regimental Centre, Delhi, station headquarters Jabalpur. Of the Rs 5.26 crores worth of liquor overdrawn at Delhi, Rajputana Rifles Regiment Centre, Delhi, alone had overdrawn 57,076 cases of liquor valuing Rs 4.79 crores. Besides, station headquarters Dehu Road had overdrawn 26,259 cases (of liquor) valuing Rs 1.75 crores.” The CSD is responsible for providing service personnel and their families with quality household goods at rates cheaper than the market rates. The CSD sells these goods to the URCs. But this seems to be a problem that the Army has been facing for decades. The CAG’s PA report points out, “In view of the numerous complaints regarding CSD liquor finding its way to the civil market, Army headquarters (AHQ) in 1971 had directed all formations to issue necessary instructions to avoid abuse of the CSD facility.”
Comments
Sir, the information is based
Ashutosh Mukherjee
22 Aug 2010 - 20:08
Sir, the information is based only liquor, other goods which is being purchased from CSD Depot by the urc's all over India, like suitcases, mixi,iron and other costly items. Introducing smart card by the CIMS that it is cleared that the purchasing limit as given by the (AHQ) from the various unit run canteens an amount of Rs. 7500/- per month. Earlier, customer's were purchasing grocery items like soap, oil, ghee, tea etc., maximum Rs. 1500/- to Rs. 2000/-. It is fact that time value of money is increased and same purchases may be inceased over a time of period max. Rs. 3500/- to 4000/-. Purchase of costly items limit yearly 75000/- to 80000/- per cards. Now, the question is suitcase, iron, mixi, TV and other musical items are not perishable item, hence, the limit of Rs. 75000/- for costly goods purchase by the customers in every year is it legitimate ? Sir, please go through the all urc's function you may get how, the defence personnel are involving to make profit from the urc without any barrier of Indian Government whereas they are well paid from the Govt.of India. There is no limit to urc's procurement from the CSD which is Tax free items for retail sale causes loss of Indian Govt. revenue. The defence personnels are known as a most disciplined person but where is the patriotism ? As a patriot, I would like to ask that India is our country we are responsible for this country and do somethink for your next generation.
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