Former defence civilians will be authorised to get groceries, but not liquor. PIC FOR REPRESENTATIONAL PURPOSES

Even as the Ministry of Defence (MoD) struggles to resolve the long-pending one rank one pension (OROP) issue, there is good news for around 3.70 lakh retired defence civilians in the country. The MoD has finally agreed to extend Canteen Stores Department (CSD) facilities to former defence civilians, which they earlier had to forego after retiring. The integrated headquarters of MoD (Army) has shot off a notice in this regard to all headquarters, including seven army commands in the country. The issue has been under consideration for many years.

According to the notice, retired employees from the Defence Audit Department, Executive Officer Cantonment Board, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd personnel retired from Air Force Station Hyderabad, Jorhat, Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Hyderabad) and Air Force Station Yelahanka (Bangalore), Indian Defence Accounts Services, Secretariat Border Roads Development Board and HQ Director General Roads, retired employees of CSD and Military Engineering Services (MES) employees will be able to avail of the CSD facility.

“They will be entitled only to groceries. No liquor will be authorised,” the notice mentions. + Though defence civilians are central government employees, paid out of the defence estimate and part of the MoD, they do not come under the purview of the Armed Forces Act.

An army source said, “They are primarily governed by central government employment rules as applicable to employees of other ministries. They are employed at administrative and technical posts in various defence establishments, including service HQ, defence accounts, MES, ordnance factories, defence estates, etc.”

Welcoming the move, a senior official from HAL Bangalore, requesting anonymity, told Mirror, “It is good news for us as one’s source of income is limited after retirement. Even getting groceries is a big leap.” “Each concerned department should appoint an officer authorised to countersign and promulgate orders and forward details to the Quartermaster General’s branch,” the notice mentioned.

The sale of four-wheelers through CSD for defence civilians is, however, restricted to officers. “Defence civilians also enjoy several other benefits and perks applicable to armed forces personnel while posted in field and hard areas,” a source informed.

(Source- Pune Mirror)