Key Takeaways
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the transformation of Cantonment Boards into smart, sustainable urban areas.
- He praised the Indian Defence Estates Service for managing extensive defence land while ensuring civilian welfare.
- Singh urged for greater citizen involvement in planning and accountability within the Cantonment Boards.
Modernizing Cantonment Boards
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently highlighted the need to convert Cantonment Boards into smart, sustainable urban ecosystems during the ‘MANTHAN 2025’ conference, organized by the Directorate General of Defence Estates.
In his address, Singh stressed modernization, calling for the adoption of digital services to enhance efficiency. He commended the Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) officers for their management of over 18 lakh acres of defence land across 61 cantonments, while also focusing on civilian welfare.
The Minister urged IDES to strive for the transformation of cantonments into modern urban centers. This involves continually updating existing systems and processes to meet contemporary needs. To achieve this vision, Singh emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability within these organizations.
He called for enhanced citizen participation in the planning processes, stressing that citizen engagement is crucial for the Cantonment Boards to evolve and provide effective, modern services. Singh’s vision includes prompt grievance redressal mechanisms, encouraging a more responsive and efficient governance model in the cantonments.
The emphasis on collaboration between the government and citizens signifies a shift towards a more inclusive approach, aimed at ensuring the needs of the community are adequately addressed. Through these initiatives, there is an expectation for Cantonment Boards to not only improve their service delivery but also create an environment that fosters sustainable living and growth.
By fostering modernization and citizen involvement, the government seeks to reshape the function and utility of military Cantonment Boards, ultimately aiming to balance the needs of defence and civilian populations in a rapidly urbanizing landscape.
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