Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday described the Defence Estates Organisation as a shining example of transparency, efficiency and accountability, stating that such an administrative ethos is essential to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Addressing the Defence Estates Day 2025 celebrations at Raksha Sampada Bhawan in Delhi Cantonment, the Defence Minister said the Directorate General Defence Estates (DGDE) has evolved into a ground-oriented organisation and must now prepare for future challenges by developing a sustainable culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
He praised DGDE’s initiatives such as digital land records, use of satellite imagery and encroachment removal, along with its efforts in environment conservation, education and skill development. Emphasising sustainability, Singh said that making cantonments green and clean, focusing on water conservation and scientific waste management shows that security and sustainability can go hand in hand.
To address long-pending issues and emerging challenges, the Defence Minister urged DGDE to introduce Annual Challenge Statements every year to invite innovative solutions from experienced officers, young professionals and experts. He also stressed the need to strengthen litigation handling related to defence land, recommending a real-time, integrated system to track cases, hearings, legal performance and financial risks to move towards preventive land governance.
Highlighting citizen-centric governance, Singh called upon DGDE to develop a Citizen Satisfaction Index for cantonments based on measurable service outcomes, saying it would improve accountability and transparency and set benchmarks for urban governance across the country.
On the occasion, Rajnath Singh conferred the Raksha Mantri Awards for Excellence in Public Service 2025, recognising outstanding achievements by Defence Estates Officers and Cantonment Boards in areas such as defence land management, municipal administration, digital accomplishments, innovation in public services, healthcare, education and welfare of Divyang children.
The Defence Minister also dedicated three major citizen-centric initiatives to cantonment residents, including the extension of telemedicine services from Delhi Cantonment General Hospital to all 61 Cantonment Boards, integration of the e-Chhawani module with the Accrual Based Accounting System, and linking the Defence Estates Mapping Portal (DEMAP) with PM GatiShakti for transparent and efficient land management.
He further released two booklets—Strategic Roadmap to Developed India @ 2047 and Water Conservation Initiatives of DGDE—highlighting the department’s long-term vision and sustainability efforts.
