Defence Estates Day 2025 Celebrated in Delhi as Raksha Mantri Praises DGDE’s Role in Viksit Bharat Vision

Defence Estates Day 2025 was observed in Delhi as Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh lauded DGDE’s transparency, innovation and citizen-centric initiatives while outlining reforms for future-ready cantonment governance.

New Delhi | December 17, 2025: The Directorate General Defence Estates (DGDE), under the Ministry of Defence, marked Defence Estates Day 2025 with solemnity and pride at Raksha Sampada Bhawan in Delhi Cantonment, coinciding with the organisation entering its 100th year of service to the nation. The event was graced by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, who described the Defence Estates Organisation as a model of transparency, efficiency and accountability, values essential to achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047.

Addressing senior officials and representatives of cantonment boards from across the country, the Raksha Mantri commended DGDE for evolving with changing times and functioning as a ground-oriented organisation. He urged the organisation to prepare for future challenges by fostering a sustainable culture of innovation, continuous improvement and systematic problem-solving. Highlighting initiatives such as digitisation of land records, use of satellite imagery and firm action against encroachments, he also appreciated DGDE’s work in environmental conservation, education and skill development within cantonments.

Rajnath Singh underlined that initiatives like green and clean cantonments, water conservation measures and scientific waste management demonstrate that national security and sustainability can progress together. He also noted that students living in cantonment areas are excelling in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and robotics, stressing the importance of connecting the younger generation with both tradition and technology in a rapidly evolving world.

To tackle long-pending and emerging challenges, the Raksha Mantri suggested the introduction of Annual Challenge Statements to invite solutions from experienced officers, young professionals and domain experts. He said this approach would help the organisation transition into a learning institution that is agile, future-ready and solution-oriented. Emphasising the need to address litigation related to defence land, he called for strengthening legal management systems through real-time monitoring of cases, improved documentation and early dispute resolution, shifting the focus from reactive litigation to preventive land governance.

Highlighting the ongoing modernisation of cantonments, Rajnath Singh said DGDE has the opportunity to become a benchmark for citizen-centric urban governance. He proposed the development of a Citizen Satisfaction Index for cantonments to enhance accountability, transparency and service delivery. Stressing the importance of public trust, he urged officials to uphold integrity and rule-based governance in every decision to strengthen institutional credibility.

On the occasion, the Raksha Mantri conferred the Raksha Mantri Awards for Excellence in Public Service 2025, recognising outstanding achievements by cantonment boards and defence estates offices in areas such as cleanliness, digital innovation, land and record management, hospital services, education and welfare of divyang children. He also dedicated three major citizen-centric initiatives, including the nationwide expansion of telemedicine services in cantonment hospitals, integration of the e-Chhawani module with the Accrual Based Accounting System, and the linking of the Defence Estates Mapping Portal with PM GatiShakti for transparent land management.

Two booklets outlining DGDE’s long-term vision and water conservation initiatives were released during the event. Senior dignitaries, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat and Director General Defence Estates Smt Shobha Gupta, were present. The centenary Defence Estates Day celebrations reaffirmed DGDE’s century-long contribution to defence land management, civic administration and public welfare.

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