Defence state minister Sanjay Seth reviewed the functioning of various aspects of the Canteen Services Department (CSD) during the 80th meeting of the Board of Control Canteen Services (BOCCS) in Ranchi, Jharkhand on 14 July 2026. The meeting deliberated on key operational and administrative issues aimed at further improving the efficiency of the Canteen Services while enhancing the quality of services extended to serving personnel, ex-servicemen and their dependents.

Key agenda items included enhancement of 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 various cooperative institutions into the supply chain, and various human resource-related matters. Senior officials of the ministry of defence (MoD), defence services and CSD attended the meeting.

Seth observed that the ongoing transformation of CSD is the result of continuous reforms and a beneficiary-centric approach focused on meeting the evolving aspirations of the defence forces community. In line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, ‘Sehkar se Samriddhi’ and ‘Vocal for Local’, CSD is consistently promoting indigenous products through its supply network.

Referring to the decisions taken during the previous review meeting on 12 March 2026, Seth noted that the products manufactured by Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited, Khadi and Village Industries Commission, National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited, National Cooperative Organics Limited, and other cooperative organisations are being inducted into the CSD product portfolio in a phased manner. This initiative, he said, will provide greater market access and encourage artisans, tribal communities, farmers, and cooperative institutions, while promoting indigenous manufacturing and inclusive economic growth. It was also deliberated that the assistive devices should be available for the divyangjans of defence forces, ex-servicemen and their dependents.

As part of his visit, Seth also visited CSD Depot Ramgarh, one of the five pilot depots identified for modernisation. He reviewed the existing infrastructure and ongoing efforts to transform the depot into a modern warehousing and logistics facility capable of meeting the growing operational requirements of the CSD. The initiative is expected to serve as a model for the phased upgradation of CSD depots across the country.

Seth also reviewed various initiatives being undertaken for the welfare of ex-servicemen through the canteen services. He appreciated the efforts aimed at improving accessibility and enhancing service delivery to provide greater convenience to veterans and their families. He reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the defence forces community and emphasised the need for continuous innovation and efficient implementation of beneficiary-centric initiatives.