The clarification came in response to concerns raised by Kerala Member of Parliament Kodikunnil Suresh regarding reports that some beneficiaries were facing difficulties while availing CSD canteen facilities, particularly concerning ATM card usage and purchases made by attendants.
The Defence Minister’s response provides significant relief to veterans and their families by reaffirming that the long-standing rules continue to remain in force.
In an important clarification for the veteran community, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has confirmed that there has been no change in the existing rules governing Canteen Stores Department (CSD) facilities for ex-servicemen, their spouses, dependents, relatives, and authorized attendants.
Why Was the Clarification Issued?
On 28 December 2025, MP Kodikunnil Suresh wrote to the Defence Minister seeking intervention regarding complaints received from ex-servicemen and their families.
The MP specifically requested:
- Restoration and continuation of CSD facilities for eligible dependents.
- Permission for spouses, relatives, attendants, and dependents to make purchases using the veteran’s ATM card.
- Clarification regarding alleged restrictions being imposed at certain CSD outlets.
In response, the Defence Minister clarified that no such restrictions have been introduced by the Government of India, and the existing policies remain unchanged.
Key Highlights of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s Clarification
1. Attendants Are Allowed to Purchase Goods
According to existing CSD guidelines, authorized attendants are permitted to purchase goods on behalf of eligible beneficiaries.
The Defence Minister clearly stated that:
- Attendants can continue to buy items from CSD canteens.
- This provision already exists in the current policy.
- No new restrictions have been imposed.
This clarification is particularly important for elderly veterans, disabled ex-servicemen, and beneficiaries who may require assistance while shopping.
2. Spouses and Relatives Can Use the Veteran’s ATM Card
One of the major concerns raised was regarding the use of ATM or debit cards belonging to veterans.
The Defence Minister clarified that:
- Spouses are allowed to use the veteran’s ATM card.
- Relatives accompanying the veteran may also use the card as permitted under existing guidelines.
- No government order has been issued prohibiting such usage.
This clarification effectively removes confusion created by inconsistent implementation at certain locations.
3. Mandatory Certification Remains Essential
While confirming the continuation of existing benefits, the Ministry also emphasized the requirement of Mandatory Certification.
Under the current policy:
- Verification of eligibility remains compulsory.
- Necessary certification must be checked before allowing purchases.
- The certification process applies to ATM card usage and purchases made through attendants.
The objective is to ensure that only genuine and entitled beneficiaries avail themselves of CSD facilities.
4. No New Rules Have Been Introduced
Perhaps the most significant point in the Defence Minister’s response is the confirmation that:
No new law, regulation, or policy change has been introduced regarding CSD purchases.
The existing provisions continue to apply exactly as before.
This means:
- Attendants can continue making purchases.
- Spouses can continue using the veteran’s ATM card.
- Existing entitlement procedures remain valid.
- No additional restrictions have been imposed by the Ministry of Defence.
5. Advisory Issued for Uniform Implementation
To address complaints arising from inconsistent interpretation of rules, the Ministry has issued an advisory to concerned authorities.
The purpose of the advisory is to ensure:
- Uniform implementation of CSD policies across India.
- Equal treatment of all eligible beneficiaries.
- Elimination of confusion at local canteen levels.
- Smooth access to facilities for veterans and their families.
The Ministry has emphasized that beneficiaries should not face unnecessary difficulties due to differing interpretations by local officials.
What Does Mandatory Certification Mean?
Although the Defence Minister’s letter does not specify every document required for certification, it makes clear that verification remains a mandatory part of the process.
The certification system is intended to:
- Verify beneficiary identity.
- Confirm eligibility under CSD rules.
- Prevent misuse of facilities.
- Ensure compliance with existing policy guidelines.
Beneficiaries should therefore continue carrying all relevant identification and entitlement documents when visiting CSD outlets.
Why Was There Confusion?
According to the issues highlighted by MP Kodikunnil Suresh, some beneficiaries reported that certain local authorities appeared to be enforcing stricter conditions than those prescribed under official policy.
The Defence Minister’s clarification indicates that:
- Such restrictions were not introduced by the Government.
- Existing rules already permit the facilities being questioned.
- The advisory has been issued specifically to prevent inconsistent practices.
This suggests that the problem arose largely from local-level interpretation rather than any formal policy amendment.
What This Means for Veterans and Families
The latest clarification provides reassurance to lakhs of ex-servicemen and their dependents across India.
Eligible beneficiaries can continue to enjoy:
✅ CSD shopping facilities through authorized attendants
✅ ATM card usage by spouses and eligible accompanying relatives
✅ Existing canteen purchase entitlements
✅ Continuation of long-standing CSD policies
✅ Protection against arbitrary local restrictions
Conclusion
The Defence Minister’s response has settled concerns regarding CSD canteen access for veterans’ families. The Government has confirmed that there has been no withdrawal of benefits, no new restrictions, and no change in existing CSD rules.
Authorized attendants may continue making purchases, spouses and eligible relatives may use veterans’ ATM cards in accordance with existing guidelines, and mandatory certification procedures will continue to ensure proper verification of beneficiaries.
Most importantly, the Ministry of Defence has directed authorities to implement these rules uniformly across the country so that ex-servicemen and their families receive the benefits they are entitled to without unnecessary obstacles.
Know more on CSD Rues here
CSD canteen rules 2026, CSD facilities for ex-servicemen, Rajnath Singh CSD clarification, veteran ATM card CSD purchase, CSD attendant purchase rules, ex-servicemen spouse ATM card CSD, CSD canteen latest guidelines, veterans canteen benefits India, CSD policy clarification, Defence Minister letter on CSD facilities, CSD entitlement rules, ex-servicemen family benefits.