Are CSD Facilities Extended to Dependents?

The Canteen Stores Department (CSD) is a welfare initiative for military personnel and veterans, providing them and their families access to discounted goods through military canteens. While the primary beneficiaries of CSD facilities are serving military personnel and veterans, dependents such as spouses, children, and sometimes parents or siblings of military members can also avail themselves of the CSD benefits. However, specific eligibility criteria and processes must be followed for dependents to access these facilities.

Are CSD Facilities Extended to Dependents?

Yes, CSD facilities are extended to the dependents of eligible military personnel and veterans. The dependents of those in active service or retired personnel can access various benefits, such as purchasing discounted products from CSD canteens. This is part of the overall welfare program to support military families and ensure they have access to affordable goods.

Who Are Considered Dependents?

Dependents who can access CSD facilities typically include:

• Spouse: The wife or husband of the serving personnel or retired veteran.
• Children: Sons and daughters (usually up to a certain age limit, typically 25 years if unmarried and studying).
• Widows: The widow of a deceased military personnel or veteran can continue to avail of CSD benefits.
• Parents: In some cases, dependent parents of retired personnel may also be eligible, though this can vary.
• Siblings: Depending on specific policies, certain family members, like siblings, may also qualify, though they are not typically included in the broader eligibility criteria.

How Can Dependents Access CSD Facilities?

For dependents to access the CSD facilities, they must meet the eligibility criteria set by the Ministry of Defence. Here's how dependents can access these benefits:

CSD Card for Dependents:

Dependents must be listed and registered under the serving personnel’s or veteran’s name.

They are issued a CSD card, which acts as a proof of eligibility. The card can be used to purchase goods from CSD canteens.

For spouses and children, the card is typically issued by the respective military unit or regional CSD office, once the required paperwork is completed.

Registration Process:

Military personnel or veterans need to submit details about their dependents, including their relationship to the individual and proof of their dependency.

Documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, and government-issued IDs may be required to verify the relationship.

Canteen Access:

Once the CSD card is issued, dependents can make purchases from the CSD canteens located at military bases, units, or through the online CSD portal if available.

Dependents can buy a wide range of goods, including groceries, electronics, clothing, furniture, and even vehicles, all at discounted rates.

Eligibility Criteria for Dependents to Access CSD:

Dependents must meet specific eligibility criteria to benefit from CSD facilities:

• Relationship Proof: A valid relationship to the serving military personnel or veteran, such as a spouse or child.
• Dependency Verification: Dependents must prove they rely financially on the military member, particularly for unmarried children up to a certain age, often 25 years (if they are students).
• CSD Card: Dependents need a valid CSD card, which is only issued once the relationship is confirmed through documentation.
• Age Limit for Children: For children to qualify, they typically must be under 25 years of age and unmarried, especially if they are still studying.

Types of Items Dependents Can Purchase Through CSD:

Once issued a CSD card, dependents can purchase a variety of goods from CSD canteens, including:

• Groceries and Food: Common household items, such as rice, oil, canned goods, snacks, and beverages.
• Clothing: Casual and formal wear, as well as footwear, including uniforms for military personnel.
• Electronics: Items like televisions, mobile phones, tablets, refrigerators, and other home appliances.
• Furniture: Basic household furniture such as beds, chairs, and tables.
• Vehicles: Dependents can also buy cars, motorcycles, and scooters at discounted prices through the CSD network.
• Medicines: Health-related products and some prescription medicines are also available at discounted rates.

Example:

A retired Army personnel registers his wife and son as dependents under his CSD card. His wife uses the card to purchase groceries and personal care items from the local CSD canteen. Additionally, his son, who is a college student, uses the card to buy a laptop at a discounted price through CSD's online portal.

Conclusion:

Yes, CSD facilities are extended to dependents of military personnel and veterans. These dependents can benefit from discounted goods available through CSD canteens, making everyday purchases more affordable. By obtaining a CSD card, dependents, including spouses, children, and in some cases, parents, can access a wide range of products, from groceries to electronics and even vehicles. This helps support military families, ensuring they have access to the same welfare benefits as active-duty and retired personnel.