Highlights:
- CAPF Canteen 1000 product ban list retracted
- In the list products delisted were from companies including VIP, HUL, Wipro and more
The Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandar (KPKB), which is the canteen of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs issued an order to delist – ban – the sale of more than 1000 “imported” products from the 1st of June.
The list of products in the order – amongst the products which were delisted were from companies such as Dabur India Limited, VIP, Bajaj Electricals, Bluestar, Eureka, Wipro, HUL, and Havells – was withdrawn on Monday, however, the order still remains in action.
Getting in line with the AtmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan which was voiced by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and the order from the MHA to use “Swadeshi” products in canteens (order of 29th May) which was signed by the CEO of KPKB, canteens, DIG R M Meena said, “In pursuance to the decision taken by Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Swadeshi Goods only will be sold through KPKB Bhandars w.e.f. 1st June 2020”.
The order also stated, “On the sole basis of information submitted by the firms, this office has categorized all listed products in three categories viz. (a) Category 1 – Products Purely Made in India, (b) Category 2 – Raw Materials Imported but Products Manufactured/Assembled in India, and (c) Category 3 – Purely Imported Products,”.
The list had the potential to spark a panic in the industry hence forcing the government to withdraw the list of products annexed.
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In a statement, Director General of CRPF, A P Maheshwari who is also the Chairman of the Welfare and Rehabilitation Board which runs the CAPF canteens said, “This is clarified that the list issued by Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandar on 29th May 2020 regarding delisting of certain products has been erroneously issued at the level of CEO. The list has been withdrawn and action is being initiated for the lapse.”
The now struck off canteen list was made of a myriad of popular products made in India which included some 20 products of Dabur India Ltd, largely its Real brand juices; over 30 products each of Bajaj Electricals and LG; over 50 products each of VIP (including its trolley bags and suitcases) and Timex group, and over 100 products from Cello India.
Also, the government delisted many products which are manufactured by Phillips, Samsung and Panasonic, Colgate mouthwashes, Godrej 5-star AC, Hindustan Unilever products such as Oats Horlicks, Nestle’s Maggie, Red Bull energy drink, Ariel liquid detergent, Jaquar water heaters and Hamilton flask and jar.
Also removed were the products such as Maybelline Kajal from L’Oreal, Neelkamal chairs, Sleepwell blankets and Singer sewing machines. Products of Havells India, Wipro, Bluestar, Borosil, Tommy Hilfiger, Eagle home appliances and Eureka Forbes too stood delisted.
Reports say that while the order was okay in its wording, the top brass was not in agreement with the list of products attached to it and that is why an order was issued to withdraw it.
As the order still stands, the list, reports suggests, has been retracted as it had products which fell in Category 2, which are allowed in the canteens for sale.
A new list will be coming out soon, reports claim.
Last month Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for “Vocal for Local” and the MHA asked all the paramilitary forces to use products which are Made in India.
As per an order issued on the 13th of May, the MHA asked CAPF canteens to “sell only indigenous products” from the 1st of June.
The total purchase value of the CAPF canteens, as per the MHA, shall be around Rs 2,800 crore. In a statement, the MHA said, “With this decision, 50 lakh family members of about 10 lakh CAPF personnel will use indigenous products,”.
