Centre driving reforms to modernise cantonments, promote ease of living and doing business: Rajnath Singh
By Saurabh Trivedi
Copyright thehindu
Emphasising the need to keep pace with changing times, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday (September 18, 2025) that the government has initiated key reforms to transform army cantonments into modern, citizen-friendly urban ecosystems.
He was addressing a two-day national conference organised by the Directorate General of Defence Estates on a strategic roadmap to Viksit Bharat, or developed India, by 2047.
“Under the Jan Vishwas Act, 2023, several minor offenses in the Cantonments Act, 2006 have been decriminalised and will now attract only monetary penalties. A total of 25 Sections have been amended, a move aimed at promoting ease of living and ease of doing business in cantonment areas,” Mr. Singh said.
Modern cities
Highlighting the vision, the Defence Minister said cantonments must now evolve like modern cities, with expanded digital services, greater citizen participation, and transparent governance. Platforms like e-Chhawani 2.0, offering AI-based grievance redressal, multilingual services, and smart health solutions, will play a critical role, with a special focus on the poor, disabled, senior citizens, and children with special needs.
Appreciating Indian Defence Estates Service officers for successfully fulfilling a dual responsibility — managing over 18 lakh acres of defence land and ensuring the welfare of civilians residing in the 61 cantonments across India — Mr. Singh stressed the need for them to continuously upgrade systems and processes.
He also pointed to reforms in defence land management, with the colonial-era 1937 Cantonment Land Administration Rules replaced with new Rules in 2021, enabling more transparency, accountability, and faster decision-making. By 2047, the vision is to develop cantonments into smart, green, and sustainable ecosystems, raising the quality of life for millions of residents while strengthening the management of defence land, he said.
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and the Director General of Defence Estates Shailendra Nath Gupta were among the dignitaries who attended the event.
