Ranchi: Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth reviewed the functioning of the Canteen Services Department (CSD) during the 80th Board of Control Canteen Services (BOCCS) meeting held in Ranchi on Tuesday. The review focused on strengthening CSD operations, modernising infrastructure, and improving services for serving defence personnel, ex-servicemen, and their dependents.
The meeting discussed several key issues, including enhanced budgetary support for CSD, modernisation of depots, extension of Central and State Government subsidies on electric two-wheelers purchased through CSD, induction of products manufactured by cooperative organisations, and human resource-related matters. Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Defence Services, and CSD attended the meeting.
Shri Sanjay Seth highlighted that the transformation of the CSD is being driven by continuous reforms and a beneficiary-centric approach aligned with the aspirations of the defence community. He reiterated the government’s commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, ‘Sehkar se Samriddhi’, and ‘Vocal for Local’, with a strong emphasis on promoting indigenous products through the CSD supply network.
The Raksha Rajya Mantri also reviewed the implementation of decisions taken during the previous BOCCS meeting held in March 2026. Products manufactured by organisations such as the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED), Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED), National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL), and other cooperative institutions are being introduced into the CSD product portfolio in a phased manner. The initiative aims to create greater market opportunities for artisans, tribal communities, farmers, and cooperative institutions while strengthening India’s indigenous manufacturing ecosystem.
During the meeting, members also discussed making assistive devices more readily available for Divyang defence personnel, ex-servicemen, and their dependents through the CSD network.
As part of his visit, Shri Sanjay Seth inspected the CSD Depot at Ramgarh, one of the five pilot depots selected for modernisation. He reviewed infrastructure development and ongoing efforts to transform the facility into a modern warehousing and logistics hub capable of meeting the growing operational needs of the CSD. The project is expected to serve as a model for upgrading CSD depots across the country in phases.
The Minister further reviewed initiatives aimed at improving welfare services for ex-servicemen and appreciated efforts to enhance accessibility and service delivery for veterans and their families. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the welfare of the defence community and stressed the importance of continuous innovation and efficient implementation of beneficiary-focused initiatives.