The Central government has reportedly ordered 4,000 army shops in the country to stop buying imported goods, a decision that could send an unwelcome signal to foreign liquor firms —Diageo and Pernod Ricard.
Citing the October 19 internal order from the defense ministry, a news agency reported that in the future, “procurement of direct imported items shall not be undertaken.”
The order asserted that the matter had been discussed with the armed forces including the army, air force, and navy in May and July and was aimed at supporting Centre’s ‘Vocal for Local’ call and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India Campaign).
Although the order did not specifically mention which products would be targeted, reports said imported liquor could be on the list.
Currently, the foreign-made items sold through the Canteen Stores Department (CSD) constitute about six to seven per cent of the total sales value.