Order De-Listing Non-Swadeshi Items From CAPF Withdrawn. Fresh Directive Soon

The Home Ministry on Monday had first put out an order delisting imported products being sold at canteens run for Central police force personnel, but in a sudden move withdrew the list after there was some confusion over some of the products which had been categorised as imported. According to media reports, a reworked list is to be issued by MHA soon.

The list of imported items sold at the government-run canteens had been issued following UnionHome Minister Amit Shah's directives that defence canteens should only sell products made in India. Amit Shah made that appeal after PM Modi stressed upon Swadeshi products to be pushed in a big way in the domestic market.

These categories were set up by the Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandars (KPKB). The order issued by Central Police Canteen (CPC) in-charge DIG RM Meena stated that "In pursuance to the decision taken by Ministry of Home Affairs, only Swadeshi goods will be sold through KPKB bhandars with effect from 1st June 2020." However, to the surprise of many, the list included names of famous Indian companies like Bajaj and Dabur.

PM Modi in his televised address had asked the people of the country to be vocal about local and to opt for made in India products.

Clearly, it was a bit more difficult for the authorities to draw the line on which products were made in India and hence the need to withdraw the order and come up with a fresh one. There is a category of products for instance which is assembled in India, but the raw material for which is imported. There is yet another category which consists of goods made completely in India and a third category which is totally imported.

The list is reported to have been issued at the level of CEO and was withdrawn. Authorities are probing the matter and are contemplating action, media reports stated.