Army canteens may stop selling imported liquor: Report

In support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘atmanirbhar’ campaign, the government has reportedly directed the army canteens to stop the procurement of all imported goods that likely includes foreign liquor.

According to NDTV, a document reviewed by Reuters suggests that an internal order by the Defence ministry on October 19 said the “procurement of direct imported items shall not be undertaken” in the future.

There are about 4,000 such defence stores in India that offer discounted prices to soldiers, ex-servicemen and their families. From liquor to electronics, these shops sell several types of products and have an annual sales of over $2 billion.

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The issue was discussed with the three services, according to the order. Though it did not specify the procurement of which products would be stopped, sources said imported liquor could be on the list, the report said.

According to Reuters, foreign liquor firms Diageo and Pernod Ricard had briefly stopped receiving orders in June for imported brands from the army canteens. Sales of imported liquor at army canteens generate about $17 million annually.