In alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for digital transformation, innovative platforms such as e-Cantonment are redefining cantonment administration, stated Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth. He was speaking at the Defence Estates Day function organized by the Directorate General Defence Estates (DGDE) on December 16, 2024, in New Delhi.
- Launch of Freehold Property Mutation Module:
Shri Sanjay Seth inaugurated a freehold property mutation module on the e-Chhawani portal, a citizen-focused platform offering 14 online services to cantonment residents. These include:- Property tax payments
- Water and sewerage connections
- Business licensing
- Grievance redressal
- Lease renewal
- Fully Automated Services:
The Cantonment Boards have rolled out four fully automated services, including:- Swajal (water supply management)
- Automatic issuance of trade licenses
- Community hall booking
- GIS-based sewerage connections and online building plan approvals
Digital Innovations in Land Management
The Raksha Rajya Mantri highlighted the department’s strides in digitization, such as:
- Raksha Bhoomi for maintaining digital land records
- The e-Raksha portal for addressing encroachment cases efficiently
Centenary Celebration of Cantonment Democratization
This year marks 100 years of cantonment administration democratization, which began with the enactment of the Cantonments Act, 1924. Shri Seth emphasized the evolution of the Defence Estate Service, noting its pivotal role in managing military lands during the British era and its contributions to India’s security and urban development.
Recognition of Excellence
The Raksha Rajya Mantri presented the Raksha Mantri Awards for Excellence, acknowledging innovative digital achievements in health, education, sanitation, public service, and land management.
This event underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing governance in cantonment areas, ensuring streamlined services and enhanced quality of life for residents.