Defence Ministry Confirms Significant Progress on Cantonment Board Civilian Area Transfer
In a significant development for administrative reform, former state BJP president and Shimla MP Suresh Kashyap announced on Friday that the Defence Ministry has confirmed substantial progress in the process of separating civilian areas from cantonment boards and merging them with nearby municipal bodies across the country. This information was formally conveyed through an official letter from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marking a crucial step in a long-standing issue affecting numerous communities.
Parliamentary Intervention Sparks Action
Suresh Kashyap, who previously served as an Air Force officer, revealed that he had raised this critical matter in the Lok Sabha under Rule 377. His intervention specifically urged the government to expedite the transfer of civilian areas under cantonment boards to local municipal bodies, citing the need for improved governance and service delivery. Kashyap's parliamentary efforts have now borne fruit, with the Defence Ministry providing a detailed update on the ongoing process.
Comprehensive Review and State-Level Coordination
According to the official communication from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Ministry of Defence has constituted committees for 38 cantonments nationwide. These committees include all relevant stakeholders and are tasked with conducting a detailed review of the proposed procedures for separating civilian areas and merging them with municipal bodies. The letter further specifies that proposals for separating civilian areas of 37 cantonments, including all six cantonments located in Himachal Pradesh, have been formally sent to the respective state governments for their consent.
The current status indicates that formal approval from the state governments is now awaited, highlighting the collaborative nature of this administrative transition. This stepwise approach ensures that local governance structures are properly aligned with state-level administrative frameworks.
Benefits for Cantonment Residents
Suresh Kashyap emphasized that this administrative transfer will significantly benefit citizens living in cantonment areas. He stated that residents will gain better access to administrative facilities, enhanced development works, and improved local municipal services. This transition is expected to streamline governance and provide more responsive public service delivery to these communities.
In his communication, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also clarified that various essential civic services continue to be provided through the cantonment boards during this transition period. These services include:
- Education and healthcare facilities
- Water supply and sanitation systems
- Roads, lanes, and street lighting infrastructure
Additionally, many online services remain accessible through the e-Cantonment portal, ensuring continuity of digital governance while the administrative transfer progresses. This dual approach maintains existing service levels while preparing for enhanced municipal integration.
The confirmation of progress on this issue represents a significant milestone in administrative reform, potentially affecting thousands of residents across cantonment areas nationwide. As state governments review the proposals, this initiative moves closer to implementation, promising improved local governance for affected communities.
