After several complaints of shortage of stocks at military canteens run by the Central Stores Department (CSD), officials say the supply has been restocked. The delay in procurement of goods occurred during attempts to streamline and rationalise the procurement process, officials added.
“It was felt that the amount of stocks sold by stores was much higher that what it should have been. So there was a need for some moderation in the volume of stocks procured. It has since normalised,” one defence official said.
In an attempt to streamline the system, the procurement of stocks has been changed from “authorised strength” to “average present strength”. Earlier, canteens placed orders based on estimated demand for goods, which took into account the “authorised strength.” Under the new system of procurement, order for goods are placed on the basis of “average present strength.”.
Floating population
In addition, veterans are a floating population. They are registered in a particular canteen but often go to another CSD to collect goods. “They cannot be denied,” the official added.
Due to this change in the last couple of months, stores ran dry early in the month, causing inconvenience to serving and retired personnel.
Monthly limit
Each canteen has a monthly limit up to which it can make immediate requisition for stocks.
“Within the limit, if stocks are over they can be requisitioned immediately. But they take some time to come,” an official said.
The problem was further compounded due to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which caused much confusion initially as the old stocks had to be cleared before new purchases. That has now normalised, officials said.
