Recently in connection with the implementation of VAT in the country, there was a controversy about the 4-12% rise in prices in military canteens. In Times of India (TOI) April 8 there was a Times View /Counter View column about this.
In the Times View it is necessary for the sake of the country's internal and external security to give the military special treatment by way of sops and perks since the pay itself was "measly". In the Counter View it observes that liquor sales account for 40% of the business in military canteens and "there is no reason why ordinary taxpayers should pay for a soldier's evening tipple" (through subsidies).
