VAT is the matter at CSDs?
With confusion reigning supreme over imposition of Value-Added Tax (VAT) on CSD goods, Armymen are not in a great buying position: either the canteens have run out of goods, or are unclear about the prices they should sell goods at.
The canteens are in such a quandary that if they have the goods, they are not putting them on sale. Air Marshal R.S. Bedi (retd) wanted to buy a Honda City from the canteen, but ‘‘did not book the car’’ for him. They said ‘‘we cannot book the car until the prices in the post-VAT period are clear.’’
Another officer Brig D.S. Dhillion (retd.), who has been doing the rounds of the canteen for the last 22 days to buy an Indica car, says: ‘‘I have already deposited money with the dealer, but the car could not be cleared by the Ambala depot because of confusion over VAT. The government should clear the situation about the VAT on CSD goods. They should have made the decision before April 1 itself.’’
Fresh supplies from the Ambala Depot are not coming into the canteens in Chandigarh. So the canteens have resorted to rationing of goods. Col B.S. Kanwar explains: ‘‘Some canteens are closed because they have no stock left and some are selling it on the old rates.’’
More: cities.expressindia.com