CSD URC Canteens – Limit of Grocery Items Per Month

Monthly Limit of Grocery Item Purchase in CSD URC Canteens

The limit on the sale of grocery items from the CSD and AFD categories of goods was implemented as a measure of budgetary control. Its purpose was to ensure that CSD facilities were only accessible to genuine beneficiaries, and two parameters were used to monitor this control. The CSD HO restricted sales of 452 items on a “Restriction List,” while the SCPL categorized all items, including some in the grocery category, exceeding Rs 2,000/- as part of AFD 2 items. However, this policy led to annual monetary capacity reduction and customer dissatisfaction. Based on feedback and the availability of high-end and utility items, a need to review this policy has been identified. Some items need to be added or removed from the restriction lists.

In light of these concerns, revised instructions have been issued on the subject in the succeeding paragraphs. The limits for monthly sales of grocery items through CSD have been revised and are outlined in Table 1. Presently, AFD 2 items can only be procured against the Primary (Grocery) Card. To enable purchase of AFD 2 Cat of stores against Dependent and Liquor Cards as well, additional limits totaling Rs 40,000/- are now entitled to beneficiaries with Dependent and Liquor Cards. The revised list of items in the AFD-2 Cat is listed in Table 2.

These revised policies will take effect from September 1, 2021, onwards.

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