Military cantonments will no longer have control over civilian areas, Here’s why

The Indian central government has intensified efforts to separate civilian areas from defense zones, transferring property rights over assets in 13 military cantonments to local municipalities. Under this plan, while military stations will remain under the control of the armed forces, areas outside these stations will be handed over to state governments.

In a recent letter addressed to the cantonments, the government outlined comprehensive guidelines for excising civil areas and integrating them with state municipalities. These guidelines were formulated during a meeting chaired by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane.

Transfer of Property Rights and Civic Responsibilities

According to the letter, “propriety rights over all assets meant for providing civic amenities and municipal services in the excised area shall be transferred to State Government/State Municipalities free of cost.” However, the government clarified that it would retain title rights where applicable.

Municipalities will have the authority to impose local taxes or fees within their jurisdiction over these areas. Nonetheless, the security concerns of the Armed Forces will be given priority during the segregation process. If privately held lands impinge on the security of military stations, such cases will be considered on an individual basis.

The move to separate civil and military areas reflects a perception within the government that cantonments are remnants of an outdated colonial legacy. The existing system has deprived residents of these areas of access to certain welfare schemes provided by the state government.

The issue of separating civil and military zones dates back to the post-Independence era. In 1948, a committee led by Congress veteran SK Patil recommended the excision of civil areas in six cantonments. However, this proposal faced public opposition and was eventually abandoned. Since then, this issue has resurfaced several times, culminating in the government’s recent decision.

The Ministry of Defence currently owns nearly 18 lakh acres of land, making it the largest landowner in the country. Parliamentary panels have previously raised concerns about defense funds being used for non-military purposes, including civic expenditures in civilian areas within cantonments.

India currently has 62 notified cantonments, collectively covering 1.61 lakh acres. Presently, all civil and municipal affairs are overseen by military cantonment boards. However, there are questions about whether civic bodies, which are already strained by staff shortages and financial constraints, can effectively manage this additional responsibility.

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