The Defense Ministry intends to rename cantonments as military stations
The government informed Rajya Sabha that the Defence Ministry has shared general guidelines for the planned exclusion of civilian areas in 58 cantonments throughout the country with various state governments. This step is intended to establish consistency in municipal laws governing these regions and the adjacent municipal pockets.
- In April 2023, the process of renaming the first cantonment as a military station commenced with Yol in Himachal Pradesh.
- This marked the initial phase of a major initiative to transform civilian areas within cantonments established during the British era into military stations.
- The plan involves integrating these areas with municipal corporations and municipalities to facilitate the transition.
- Unlike cantonments, which accommodate both military personnel and civilian residents, military stations are specifically designed and established solely for the use of the armed services.
- These stations are set up under executive authority with the exclusive purpose of serving military needs.
- According to officials familiar with the matter, the process of creating military stations by integrating civilian areas with local civic bodies is expected to be advantageous for all parties involved.
- This integration will lead to significant benefits, as civilians who were previously excluded from state government welfare schemes, due to their location within municipal corporations and municipalities, will now gain access to these schemes.
- Moreover, with the civilian areas under the purview of local bodies, the armed forces will have the opportunity to prioritize the development and enhancement of military stations.
- The 58 cantonments under consideration are located in various states, encompassing Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Delhi, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Kerala, Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Meghalaya.
The defense ministry’s endeavor to carve out civilian areas from cantonments and integrate them with state municipalities is a noteworthy measure that aims to ensure consistency and enhance the well-being of both civilians and armed forces. The ministry’s active engagement with state governments and its receptiveness to the viewpoints of different stakeholders demonstrate its dedication to bringing about meaningful transformations in the country’s cantonments.
