Defence Ministry Orders Abolition of all 62 Cantonment Boards

The Defence Ministry has ordered abolition of all 62 cantonment boards by the end of 2024, transforming them into military stations and integrating civilian areas into state municipal bodies. This decision, aims to modernise military infrastructure and enhance urban governance, is due to intense efforts by local advocacy groups and politicians. The Defence Ministry directive to separate civilian and military zones addresses long-standing issues of inadequate municipal services in civilian areas, which have often suffered due to financial constraints.