The Himachal Pradesh government has formally requested the Union Ministry of Defence (MoD) to transfer title rights of civilian land within six cantonment boards, citing that the lack of ownership is hindering development in these areas. The state is also seeking a special grant to manage the liabilities associated with the proposed excision process.
Request for Land Ownership Transfer
In a letter to the MoD, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar expressed concerns over the land ownership condition imposed by the Union government. The MoD had previously proposed transferring only proprietary rights to the Himachal government while retaining title rights. Kumar emphasized that without full ownership transfer, the development of critical infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and sanitation facilities would be severely limited.
The letter highlighted that land ownership is essential for socio-economic progress, especially with the ongoing urbanization around the cantonment areas. If the Ministry of Defence retains control over the land, infrastructure projects would be challenging to implement, impacting residents’ access to essential services.
Call for Excision Process and Liability Management
The Himachal Pradesh government also raised the issue of liabilities tied to the cantonment boards. With liabilities estimated at Rs 30 crore, which is six times the revenue generated from the boards annually, the state requested a special grant-in-aid from the Centre to cover these expenses. The proposed excision would involve transferring assets and liabilities from the cantonment areas to the state government.
Impact on State Welfare Schemes
For the smooth implementation of both central and state welfare schemes, the transfer of ownership over civilian areas—except for military stations and vacant land—was deemed crucial. The Himachal government referenced the Khasyol cantonment in 2023, where a similar ownership transfer was successfully carried out.
MoD’s New Land Ownership Clause
The Ministry of Defence had previously introduced a new clause on land ownership, stating that the title rights would remain with the Union government even after the transfer of assets and liabilities. This shift in policy was met with resistance from Himachal Pradesh officials, who believe this move would undermine the excision process’s effectiveness. The Himachal Pradesh Cantonment Association (HPCA) also supported the state’s stand, stressing that the transfer of land rights is essential for the welfare of the cantonment residents.
History of Cantonment Excision in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is home to six cantonment boards: Kasauli, Dagshai, Subathu, Jutogh, Bakloh, and Dalhousie. Over the years, residents of these areas have been advocating for the separation of civilian areas from military control. A landmark move was made in April 2023, when Khasyol Cantonment in Kangra district became the first in the country to be de-notified and merged with the local panchayat body.
Moving Forward
The excision process, currently underway in Himachal Pradesh, follows a broader initiative to remove civilian areas from military control across India. The Ministry of Defence had announced the excision of civilian areas in 36 cantonments during the first phase, with a second phase planned for the remaining cantonments. The Himachal government’s request for full land ownership transfer aligns with the goal of fostering development and ensuring that residents benefit from state welfare schemes.
Conclusion
The ongoing discussions between Himachal Pradesh and the Union Ministry of Defence underscore the importance of land ownership for the state’s development. The Himachal government’s push for full land title transfer and assistance with liabilities is a crucial step toward ensuring that the excision process benefits all residents and supports long-term infrastructure and welfare growth.
