Though the Ambala depot of Canteen Stores Department (CSD) has again started receiving orders from Chandigarh customers wanting to purchase four-wheelers, it comes with a condition. The nod for sales has been accorded to four-wheelers only, which means the ‘ban’ on sale of white goods and two-wheelers stays.

Now, CSD rules — amended in the wake of a virtual ban on sale of vehicles through the CSD route following a dispute over Value Added Tax (VAT) — require dealers to hand over a minimum of five vehicles to customers. Also, the delivery of the vehicles can only be given on Tuesdays and Fridays. That too if the minimum number of vehicle buyers taking delivery on a particular Tuesday or Friday is five. If not, customers will have to wait for Tuesday or Friday when the number reaches five.

The rules also stipulate that before the collection of the vehicle, customers have to submit the complete documents regarding the purchase at least two days prior to delivery. Another new rule mandates that the dealers and customers have to submit affidavits assuring that in case any penalty is charged by the Haryana, it would be borne by the dealers. In case the Chandigarh Administration charges any penalty, then the customer will bear it. The CSD will have no responsibility in either case.

“According to the new rules, the ownership of the vehicle is first handed over to the depot and subsequently, the depot hands it over to the buyer. For this, the dealer is required to take the vehicle from Chandigarh to the Ambala depot along with the customer. It is made clear that in this process all the expenditure is incurred by the dealer, including the toll tax,” said Jitesh Aggarwal, sales manager at a car dealership in Chandigarh.

... contd.