No excise duty on military canteens: Siddaramaiah | Bengaluru News
Bengaluru: No excise duty will be imposed on liquor sold through defence canteens in Karnataka, chief minister Siddaramaiah said on Wednesday.The statement comes in the wake of the excise department’s proposal to revise additional excise duty (AED), a move that could end the 30% price advantage enjoyed by CSD (canteen stores department) outlets over regular liquor shops. The potential hike sparked concern among thousands of serving and retired defence personnel across the state.At the ‘Jai Hind Sabha’ event held in Town Hall, Siddaramaiah said: “Defence personnel need not worry. Their entitlements remain intact. There will be no change in liquor prices at military canteens.” He also praised the tradition of Indian soldiers, honoured retired soldiers, and recognised the families of martyred soldiers.Excise minister RB Timmapur also told TOI that the separate proposal to supply beer to military canteens is still under discussion. “Nothing has been finalised yet,” he said. For now, soldiers and veterans can breathe easy — and raise a glass without extra tax.There are over 30 military canteens in Bengaluru alone, and the proposed AED revision was seen as a direct blow to the privileges extended to armed forces personnel.
