New Delhi, Dec 16 (UNI) Highlighting the pivotal role of defence land management in strengthening the country’s security architecture, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday underscored that defence estates form the very foundation of India’s defence mechanism, with over 17 lakh acres of strategically vital land under their stewardship.
Addressing the Defence Estates Day-2025 celebrations, held at the Chanakya Auditorium, Raksha Sampada Bhawan, in the national Capital, the Defence Minister lauded the Directorate General Defence Estates (DGDE) for successfully balancing tradition with modernisation, embracing technology-driven reforms, transparent administration and digital transformation while preserving its institutional legacy.
“The scope of our defence estates today is wide. The importance can be understood from the fact that you manage more than 17 lakh acres of defence land. This is not a simple responsibility. This is a huge responsibility, because our defence land is not just a piece of land, but it is the foundation of our defence mechanism,” he said.
Stating that it is not easy to strike a balance between tradition and modernization, the defence minister said, “We all know that the most difficult task for any organization is to accept any change without losing its originality. Despite being such an old organization, you have embraced modern thinking, embraced technology, simplified processes, and aligned yourself according to changing expectations.”
“The strength of any nation is not measured only by weapons. Its real strength lies in its system, its administration and its values. Administration, if honest, transparent and sensitive, becomes the strongest shield of that nation,” he said and appreciated the efforts undertaken by DGDE in the field of education and skill development.
“Today, students living in our cantonments are also moving forward in areas like Artificial Intelligence and robotics. It is also necessary. Because today, when the world is becoming technology-driven, Artificial Intelligence and data management, it is necessary that our children should be connected with tradition and technology. The digital transformation of the Defence Estates Organisation is an example of this balance,” he said.
The minister also conferred the Raksha Mantri Awards for Excellence in Public Service 2025. The awards recognise outstanding achievements in the fields of Defence Land Management and Municipal Administration by Cantonment Boards across the country.
This year holds special significance as the Defence Estates Organisation enters its 100th year of service, marking a century of dedicated contribution towards efficient management of defence lands, civic administration of cantonments, and upholding transparency, accountability and public welfare.
