The Directorate of Canteen Services (CSD) under the Quartermaster General’s Branch (QMG) has introduced several veteran-friendly reforms aimed at improving the experience of serving personnel, ex-servicemen, and their families. From increasing monetary limits for vehicle purchases to easing card renewals, these changes reflect a major upgrade in the CSD ecosystem.
CSD Smart Card Renewal Portal
The newly launched portal offers:
- Online shopping for groceries and AFD-I items (cars, electronics) – csdindia.gov.in
- Delivery services in select metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai starting 2025
- Card renewal and quota tracking options for all ranks – https://csdsmartcard.co.in/
Four-Wheeler Purchase: Higher Limits and More Flexibility
✳️ Increased Purchase Limits:
| Category | New Limit | Previous Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Officers | ₹20 Lakhs | ₹15 Lakhs |
| JCOs | ₹10 Lakhs | ₹7 Lakhs |
| OR | ₹8 Lakhs | ₹6 Lakhs |
🆕 Electric Vehicles (EVs): Get an extra ₹5 Lakh over the above limits.
✳️ More Lifetime Cars Allowed:
- JCOs: 5 cars (up from fewer)
- OR: 4 cars (up from fewer)
- Widows/Next of Kin (NoK): Can use unutilized quotas of the deceased soldier
✳️ Eligibility & Timing:
- First car only after 5 years of service for serving personnel
- Gap between car purchases: 8 years
- Pay Level 10-18 (Officers & Civilians): 1 car every 8 years; no lifetime cap
AFD-I Items (Other than Vehicles)
✔️ What’s Included:
TVs, air-conditioners, fridges, two-wheelers, washing machines, laptops, desktops
✔️ New Policy Highlights:
- Limit: 1 item per type every 4 years
- Rule: Can only buy one of each type in a 4-year block
- Applies to all serving, retired, and pensioners (Pay Level 1-18)
TVs and ACs: Increased Limits
- Two TVs: Allowed per 4-year block (e.g., 2025–2028)
- Four ACs: Allowed per 4-year block
Eligibility Summary
Four-Wheelers
| Pay Level | Category | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Level 3–5 | OR | ₹8 Lakhs (₹13L for EVs) |
| Level 6–9 | JCOs | ₹10 Lakhs (₹15L for EVs) |
| Level 10–18 | Officers/Civilians | ₹20 Lakhs (₹25L for EVs) |
- Widows/NoK: Get the same limits as the deceased’s pay level
AFD-I Items (TVs, ACs, etc.)
- Eligible for Pay Level 1–18 (serving, retired, pensioners)
Special Support for Veer Naris & NoK
- Veer Naris / NoK of Battle Casualty (Fatal):
- Get a unique CSD Smart Card free of cost
- No fees, no formalities
Need Help? Contact Points
- Brig CS (Civil): 26181621
- AQMG CS (Civil): 20862162
- Email (Editor BaatCheet): editorbaatcheet@gmail.com
- Phone (BaatCheet Office): 011-23018665
Summary
These upgrades are a major step toward modernizing and expanding the benefits for defence personnel and their families. With bigger budgets, easier access, and inclusive support for Veer Naris and NoKs, the CSD system in 2025 offers more dignity, respect, and convenience than ever before.
